The California Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss the significant Climate Bond Expenditure Plan proposed by the Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). This plan aims to bolster climate-smart agriculture initiatives across the state, with a proposed budget of $131.8 million for the fiscal year 2025-2026.

CDFA's representative highlighted the department's achievements, noting that previous investments have funded nearly 3,000 projects across 300,000 acres, resulting in a reduction of approximately 27.7 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents—equivalent to removing 6.4 million cars from the road. The funding will support nine programs, primarily focused on enhancing agricultural resilience and improving food access.

Key allocations include $37.6 million for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), which promotes water conservation on farms, and $35.9 million for the Healthy Soils Program, aimed at improving soil health and carbon sequestration. The Urban Agriculture Grant Program is also set to receive $18.8 million to enhance urban farming viability.

The subcommittee discussed the need for a phased approach to funding, particularly for new programs that require more development and stakeholder engagement. Some programs, such as the Regional Farm Equipment Sharing Program, will see a slower rollout due to their complexity.

While the proposed spending plan was generally deemed reasonable, concerns were raised about the lack of funding for certain programs aimed at disadvantaged farmers and farm workers. Some members expressed the need for more immediate allocations rather than deferring funding for future years.

The meeting underscored the importance of aligning funding with legislative priorities and ensuring that new programs effectively address the needs of California's agricultural community. As the state moves forward, the anticipated outcomes of these investments could significantly impact both environmental sustainability and food security in California.