Polis Administration and Department of Agriculture Announce New Climate Resilience Funding for Colorado Farms and Ranches

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Broomfield, Colo. ~ Broomfield, Colo. - In a press release today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience Office (ADCRO) announced new grant opportunities aimed at supporting climate resilience projects within the state's agricultural sector.

Governor Polis emphasized the state's commitment to mitigating the risks associated with climate change by investing in clean energy technologies and providing economic avenues for farmers and ranchers to continue providing fresh produce for generations to come.

The Climate Resilience Grants, administered by ADCRO, are designed to provide crucial financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who have been impacted by climate change-induced disasters and are seeking to enhance their resilience against future challenges.

According to Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg, extreme weather events and an increasingly dry environment pose daily challenges for the state's farmers and ranchers. This funding will help these producers better prepare for and withstand future climate-related disasters.

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This is the first grant opportunity at CDA specifically focused on helping producers who have experienced a disaster. The funding will address critical needs for producers to ensure their operations are resilient and can withstand future climate pressures.

Climate change affects all aspects of agriculture, from workforce and supply chain issues to livestock health and profitability. The grants will address issues throughout the supply chain and invest in leaders around the state who can serve as positive examples or resources for their neighbors.

CDA will select a few priority climate impacts to focus on each funding cycle based on needs around the state. This year, priority projects will address impacts of drought, snow events, and wildfires. In future years, CDA will work with partners to determine priorities based on needs. Other disasters exacerbated by climate change include flooding, extreme heat, and severe storms.

Eligible applicants include farmers, ranchers, producer-facing organizations, tribes, and local governments. Grant applications must demonstrate how producers will benefit from the funding, how it will address future climate disasters, and the feasibility of the project. While matching funding is not required, applicants will receive more points if they use matching funds. The maximum grant award is $30,000.

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Interested parties can access the online application on the ADCRO website. Applications are due by May 29.

To provide more information about the grants, the ADCRO team will hold an informational webinar on Wednesday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m. Interested participants can register via Zoom or find the registration link on the ADCRO website. During this session, staff will present an overview of eligibility criteria and the application process and answer any questions from producers.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in supporting Colorado's agricultural sector in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. It also aligns with CDA's strategic priorities, particularly Direction Three: Environmental Stewardship and Climate Resilience. These grants will work alongside other CDA programs to create healthy and resilient farms, ranches, and food supply chains for a sustainable future.

Filed Under: Government, State

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