The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss critical funding initiatives related to agriculture and climate resilience in California. The meeting focused on the Farm to School program and the Climate Bond Expenditure Plan, highlighting the importance of these initiatives in supporting local farmers and enhancing food access across the state.

The session began with a discussion on the Farm to School program, where committee members expressed their support for its role in educating communities about food sourcing and promoting healthier eating habits. Concerns were raised regarding staffing levels within the program, particularly following recent promotions that left several positions vacant. Natalie Kreug Greenberg, the division director for the Office of Farm to Fork, provided an update, noting that the program is actively recruiting to fill these gaps and is nearly fully staffed.

Following this, the committee shifted its focus to the Climate Bond Expenditure Plan presented by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The department reported significant progress in implementing climate-smart agricultural practices, with nearly 3,000 projects funded across 300,000 acres, resulting in substantial reductions in carbon emissions and water savings. The proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 includes $131.8 million for nine CDFA programs aimed at furthering these efforts.

Key funding allocations discussed included $37.6 million for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program, which promotes improved irrigation practices, and $35.9 million for the Healthy Soils Program, designed to enhance soil health and carbon sequestration. The committee also reviewed funding requests for urban agriculture initiatives and programs addressing invasive species, emphasizing the need for continued investment in these areas to bolster food security and environmental resilience.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the rationale behind certain programs not receiving immediate funding. Officials from the Department of Finance explained that some initiatives are pending further analysis to ensure alignment with legislative priorities and effective allocation of resources. The committee members expressed a desire for clarity on the decision-making process regarding these allocations, particularly for programs aimed at supporting disadvantaged farmers and farm workers.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of strategic funding in agriculture and climate initiatives, with a focus on enhancing community resilience and food access throughout California. The subcommittee plans to continue monitoring these programs and their impacts in future sessions.