Agriculture Recognized by Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards

Agriculture Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards

What do Joseph Gallo Farms, Gills Onions and Parducci Wine Cellars have in common? Yes, they are all California farms with well-known, high-quality products, but they have something else in common. They are all past winners of a Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA), the state’s highest environmental honor.

This year, for the first time, GEELA has an agricultural category titled “Agricultural Ecosystem Services”. This category was designed for farmers and ranchers that demonstrate innovative and sustainable approaches to water conservation, efficiency and protection of working ecosystems.

CDFA has defined Ecosystem Services in agriculture as “the multiple benefits we gain from farming and ranching including crop and livestock production.

In addition to valuable open space and wildlife habitat, the management decisions and conservation practices of farmers and ranchers also enhance environmental quality, provide recreational opportunities and offer social benefits.”

CDFA recognizes there are many farmers and ranchers doing a lot on water conservation, especially in consideration of the drought.

In less than two weeks, the current application process will close for GEELA. Applications will be accepted through July 11, 2014. We hope farmers and ranchers will consider applying. Click here to apply.

2016-10-06T12:38:40-07:00July 2nd, 2014|

Key Agriculture Component Added to Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards

For the first time in the history of the Governor’s Economic and Leadership Awards (GEELA), the category of Agricultural Ecosystem Services has been added for statewide recognition by the California Environmental Protection Agency.

The new category will spotlight the multiple benefits gained from farming and ranching, including innovative and sustainable approaches to water and energy conservation, food crop production efficiency, and management of working lands.

GEELA honors individuals, organizations and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and achievements in conservation, environmental protection, public-private partnerships, and strengthening the state’s economy.

Applications are due Friday, July 11, 2014 and may be obtained at www.calepa.ca.gov/Awards/GEELA/.

“Ecosystem services are an essential element in farming and ranching,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “They include waterfowl habitat in rice fields, pollinator support on farms, and the resolute commitment to conservation demonstrated throughout agriculture. I urge our farmers and ranchers to strongly consider this new category.”

More information about ecosystem services may be found at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/EnvironmentalStewardship/EcosystemServices.html

Established in 1993, GEELA is administered by the California Environmental Protection Agency in collaboration with the Natural Resources Agency; the Department of Food and Agriculture; the State Transportation Agency; the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency; the Labor and Workforce Development Agency; the Health and Human Services Agency; and the Governor’s Office.

 

2016-05-31T19:35:27-07:00June 9th, 2014|
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