Kate Greenberg, Colorado commissioner of agriculture, told the working group that behavioral health is one of five strategic priorities at the Colorado Department of Agriculture and is integral to the agency’s broader work. “If farmers and ranchers can’t make a living, then we’re not gonna be talking about soil health and conservation and all the rest,” Greenberg said, describing how market access, voluntary stewardship, beginning‑farmer support and animal health relate to mental‑health outcomes.

Greenberg reviewed CDA programs and recent funding developments: the soil‑health stewardship program has moved from one‑time federal grants to ongoing state funding, the Ag Stewardship Tax Credit was passed and will take effect next year, and CDA is coordinating with the Colorado Water Conservation Board on drought‑resiliency pilot projects. She noted the USDA canceled a Climate Smart Commodities grant “about 2 years early,” which required CDA to plan for more sustainable state funding.

Why it matters: Greenberg framed behavioral health work as foundational to the department’s mission because financial stress, succession pressures and emergency responses (for example, disease outbreaks) influence producer well‑being and the viability of conservation and market programs.

Programs and organizational context

Greenberg described CDA’s nine programmatic divisions, including the newest division of animal welfare and the state veterinarian’s role in emergency response. She said CDA has been given latitude by the governor’s office to pursue longer-term initiatives beyond core regulatory responsibilities and that the department now aims to align market development and conservation incentives with producer supports.

Discussion and follow-up

Group members asked for CDA materials to be distributed; Greenberg agreed to circulate department resources and web links through the working group. Greenberg thanked committee leaders Robert and Rosie for coordinating the group’s activities and encouraged members to contribute expertise to subcommittees on best practices, data collection and outreach.

Ending

Greenberg closed by emphasizing CDA’s role as a convener across the agriculture ecosystem and that behavioral-health work will continue to be a cross‑cutting component of CDA programs.