Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Agriculture celebrated Colorado Agriculture Day on Mar. 24, highlighting the resilience of the state’s agricultural sector and signing two new bills into law to increase support for farmers and ranchers.
The annual event recognizes agriculture’s central role in Colorado’s economy, history, and daily life. The day also serves as a reminder of agriculture’s impact on open spaces, food security, and local communities. Governor Polis said, “Colorado’s hardworking farmers and ranchers are an important part of our 150-year legacy as a state and an important part of our future. Colorado’s farmers and ranchers work hard to put food on our tables, are stewards of our waters and lands, and represent who we are as a state. As we celebrate our sesquicentennial birthday, we honor the history of agriculture in our state, and recognize our farmers and ranchers who help provide Coloradans with basic necessities for a healthy, strong, and thriving life.”
Acting Commissioner of Agriculture Robert Sakata encouraged residents to participate in Ag Week by supporting local producers: “As we celebrate Ag Week and Ag Day, let’s recognize the incredible work of our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. Supporting our local producers is a direct investment in a robust and resilient food system for all. We encourage every Coloradan to participate in this celebration by purchasing Colorado Proud products, visiting a local farm or ranch, or sharing a locally sourced meal with your friends and neighbors.”
This year is also recognized as the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the United Nations. In Colorado alone there are approximately 28,000 women working as agricultural producers—making up nearly 42 percent of all such roles statewide.
Governor Polis signed Senate Bill SB26-064 to conserve at-risk farmland through loans that make land more affordable for new producers; House Bill HB26-1067 expands use of Livestock Indemnity Funds to prepare for emerging disease threats like Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. “By offering agricultural loans to protect our most valuable lands…we are investing in our agricultural economy which creates good jobs,” said Governor Polis about these measures.
Legislators echoed these sentiments about protecting resources amid rapid change: “Colorado is losing farmland faster than any state in the country,” said Senator Cleave Simpson regarding SB26-064.
The Department has ongoing initiatives including educational outreach about agriculture’s economic importance according to its official website. It hosts events at venues like the State Fairgrounds as reported by CDA while employing over 300 professionals according to CDA. Its focus areas include promoting environmental stewardship alongside consumer protection as outlined by CDA, publishing materials such as press releases related to stewardship topics according to its official site, administering funding programs across divisions like animal health as described by CDA, strengthening rural communities statewide.
Looking ahead through America 250 – Colorado 150 celebrations themed “Setting Colorado’s Table,” activities will continue throughout the year—including mural displays at the Capitol during Ag Week—and culminate with events like Harvest Table dinners designed to bring communities together.
