Healthy Soils Taking Climate Center Stage in California in 2016
As we’ve mentioned before, the Governor has proposed $20 million for a Healthy Soils Initiative. Various state programs are increasingly funding healthy soils as well. We recently outlined the Department of Water Resources Proposition 1-funded program, which has recognized improved soil organic matter as a strategy for enhancing the water holding capacity of soils.
February 22, 2017 | Source: California Climate & Agriculture Network | by Beth Smoker
As we’ve mentioned before, the Governor has proposed $20 million for a Healthy Soils Initiative. Various state programs are increasingly funding healthy soils as well. We recently outlined the Department of Water Resources Proposition 1-funded program, which has recognized improved soil organic matter as a strategy for enhancing the water holding capacity of soils. Similarly, in their most recent granting round, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Statewide Energy and Efficiency Enhancement Program (SWEEP)—currently funded at $40 million—considers beneficial soil management practices as valuable water savings and greenhouse gas reduction activities.
Unsurprisingly, there has been a flurry of activity around the topic of healthy soils in California.
Capitol Staffers Get Their Hands in the Soil
One of CalCAN’s roles is to educate policymakers on the great potential for climate-friendly agricultural practices on the state’s farms and ranches. What better way to do that than with a farm tour?
On December 1st, CalCAN co-organized a day of farm tours with CDFA. We invited legislative staffers and agency representatives to see firsthand the value of healthy soils for both agriculture and the climate.
CDFA Deputy Secretary Jenny Lester-Moffitt began the day with a tour of her family’s organic walnut farm, Dixon Ridge Farms. Professor Louise Jackson of UC Davis and James Komar of USDA-NRCS led an exploration of the carbon-rich soil of Dixon Ridge’s orchards, citing recent research findings and what they mean in practical agronomic terms.
Soil between our fingers, we discussed how farmer-oriented policies and programs can help keep this vital resource healthy and providing the maximum benefit.
Across Sacramento at Soil Born Farms, founder Shawn Harrison guided guests through the operation’s different soil management practices – including on-site composting and some creative use of livestock – and a discussion on the importance of soil health in light of the devastating drought and changing climate.