Congressman Jimmy Panetta Secures Funding for Climate-Smart Agriculture

Monterey, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced $5 million in funding for California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) to help growers on the central coast of California quantify and implement climate-smart practices in cool season specialty crops. Funding for this project comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities effort aimed at expanding markets for American producers and the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart production. Rep. Panetta is a member of the House Agriculture Committee.

The $5 million grant will provide advanced technical assistance in English and Spanish to small farm operations to reduce nitrogen fertilizer use, plant cover crops, and implement other innovative soil health practices. Bilingual student Climate-Smart Ag Ambassadors enrolled at CSMBU will work with University of California Cooperative Extension staff and other partners to provide direct on-farm outreach to local growers.

"Our local farmers are the most progressive in the nation when it comes to finding the necessary balance of producing agriculture and protecting the environment," said Rep. Panetta. "This funding for CSUMB will help further our farmers' forward thinking and acting and allow them to more readily implement new and innovative climate-smart practices in agriculture. I'm proud to ensure that the federal government not only recognizes, but also rewards and promotes our local farmers for their leadership in producing the best fresh fruits and vegetables in a way that protects the planet."

"Our campus is excited to be the lead on this partnership of commercial, agency, and educational experts. We look forward to supporting the Ag community and training the next generation of workers to support their sustainability goals," said Dr. Arlene Maki Haffa, CSUMB Professor and Project Director.

This grant is one of 141 Climate-Smart Commodities projects across the country, representing an over $3.1 billion investment in agricultural innovation, including underserved growers.

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