Secretary Ross at Climate Week NYC — Farm to School and discussions of nature-based solutions, climate resiliency, food security, and sustainability

Climate Week NYC continues this week with a wide range of activities, and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross has made appearances to speak about California's innovative Farm to School programming as well as challenges and opportunities with climate adaptation.

Secretary Ross appeared with California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom to discuss the Farm to School initiative. The secretary expressed her appreciation to the legislature, the First Partner and Governor Newsom for their investment of nearly $100 million in the program; and she noted valuable contributions from regional staff members in the program helping to connect historically underserved farmers with school nutrition directors. The First Partner talked about the importance of collaboration for better health and well-being of children, and she discussed how proud she is of the partnerships that are driving the program.

The Farm to School program connects with climate adaptation by issuing grants to producers who plan to use climate-smart agricultural practices in their operations.

Climate was front and center at another event attended by Secretary Ross - a discussion hosted by the Almond Board of California, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, and Monarch Tractor. The topics covered a range of climate issues, including farmer/rancher-led innovation on nature-based solutions, advanced technology adoption, and sustainability to meet public-benefit goals of food security, farm viability and climate resiliency.

"Both of these events provided California with excellent opportunities to discuss our leadership on climate issues," said Secretary Ross. "Climate Week NYC is one of the best gatherings there is to exchange ideas and share our success stories as we work together on the essential mission of adaptation."