AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is the backbone of Colorado’s rural economy, and farmers and ranchers work hard to keep their businesses running and grow the food that feeds the world. We worked hard this session to support farmers and ranchers, and passed legislation to secure one of our most precious resources - water - for generations to come.

Water Legislation

Groundwater Compact Compliance Fund | SB22-028

Simpson & Sonnenberg / Roberts & Catlin

Access to clean and safe water is endangered every time wildfires threaten our communities and the landscapes that surround us. This bill creates the Groundwater Compact Compliance and Sustainability Fund for groundwater compact compliance and groundwater resource sustainability and conservation purposes. The fund will be administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) who will disburse funds based on recommendations from the board of directors of either the Rio Grande Water Conservancy District or the Republican River Water Conservation District, after approval by the State Engineer. The bill appropriates $60 million to the fund from funds received by the state pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Turf Replacement Program | HB22-1151

Bridges & Simpson / Catlin & Roberts

As we continue working to create a more sustainable and resilient state, this bill will allow us to hold onto more critical water by creating a turf replacement program in the Department of Natural Resources to assist with the replacement of nonessential irrigated turf on residential, commercial, institutional or industrial properties and provide financial incentives for the voluntary replacement of irrigated turf with water-wise landscaping. The bill also transfers $2 million from the General Fund to a newly created cash fund to implement the program.

Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Fund Project | HB22-1316

Donovan & Simpson / McCormick & Catlin

Water is life, and this bill appropriates over $17 million to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and the Division of Water Resources for specified water-related projects across the state to help secure Colorado’s water for years to come.

Water Quality Regulation | HB22-1322

Moreno & Gonzales / Benavidez & A.Valdez

Everyone deserves access to clean and safe water. This bill requires the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) to conduct enhanced outreach to disproportionately impacted communities regarding proposed state actions. It also requires the WQCC to utilize criteria established in rule for designating waters as use protected, and creates a 5-year statute of limitations for bringing actions under the Colorado Water Quality Control Act.

Agriculture Legislation

Expand Water Resources Review Committee To Include Agriculture | SB22-030

Donovan & Sonnenberg / McLachlan & Catlin

This bill changes the name of the Water Resources Review Committee to the Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee and expands the scope of the committee to include agriculture issues.

State Fair Master Plan Funding | SB22-134

Hinrichsen & Coram / Esgar

The Colorado State Fair is a state institution, and a critical driver of Pueblo’s economy. This bill transfers $4 million to the Colorado State Fair Authority Cash Fund to partly fund the implementation of the 2021 Colorado State Fair Master Plan.

Modifications To Conservation District Grant Fund | SB22-195

Donovan & Sonnenberg / Catalan & D.Valdez

This bill repeals the expiration provision of the Conservation District Grant Fund indefinitely and transfers $480k to the fund for disbursements of $2,000 to each conservation district.

Meat Processing Grant And Loan Assistance | SB22-209

Donovan & Sonnenberg / Roberts & Pelton

Agriculture is the backbone of Colorado’s rural economy, and we must do everything we can to support the folks to work in this critical industry and get them he support they need to keep food on our tables.This bill requires the Colorado Department of Agriculture to establish a technical assistance position to help small meat processors and people trying to start a small meat processing business apply for grants and loans offered by the United States Department of Agriculture and other entities. In early 2022, the USDA announced that they were making available hundreds of millions of dollars in grants and other support to expand meat and poultry processing options, strengthen the food supply chain, and create jobs and economic opportunities in rural areas, and this state program will help Coloradans take advantage of it.

Blockchain Agriculture And Uniform Commercial Code | HB22-1053

Hansen / D.Valdez & Van Beber

This bill requires the Commissioner of Agriculture to develop an online educational program for agricultural producers about the benefits of blockchain technology. Three years ago, the legislature passed HB19-1247, which created an advisory group to study the use and benefits of blockchain technology in agriculture. Following the recommendations of that advisory group, this bill seeks to utilize the findings to educate the industry through an online educational program.

Agricultural Workforce Services Program | HB22-1308

Donovan / McCormick

Making sure workers are supported is one of Democrats’ top priorities. This bill creates the Colorado Agricultural Workforce Services Program in the Department Of Agriculture which will consist of an online resource portal for agricultural employees and employers and a grant program to fund workplace improvements or changes to comply with labor and workplace standards. Grant awards are limited to entities that provide services to Colorado agricultural employers or employees for the purposes of facilitating labor law compliance, improving workplaces, and providing education to agricultural employees to help them understand their rights.