For Earth Day yesterday, Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom made a trip to Chico State to tour the University Farm and learn about sustainability efforts in agriculture.
To a crowd of dozens, Newsom congratulated Chico State.
“California’s been a leader, and so have you, Chico State,” Newsom said.
Chico State’s regenerative agriculture program is the first of its kind in the country, according to its annual report. The governor lauded the university for its environmentally-friendly practices in agriculture and linked them to California’s broader leadership in sustainability
“It doesn’t surprise me it happened here first,” Newsom said. “Because that's what California is. Future happens here first.”
The governor’s wife added her thoughts, too, connecting Chico State’s efforts to her Farm to School program, which aims to ensure free, locally-sourced meals in public schools.
“I just want to thank you all so much for being here for today, for allowing us to uplift and celebrate you as an incredible model,” Siebel Newsom said.
Siebel Newsom said she wants her program to reach every K-12 public school kid in the state.
“We want to see that this food is moving towards regenerative, organic agriculture.” she said.
About 1.5 million public school students are included in the program, according to the state’s website. Siebel Newsom said it’s a benefit to the farmers as well.
Cindy Daley, a co-founder of Chico State’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture, also commended the program.
“It's how we can re-enliven our rural communities, which have been in full decline really based on this geochemical approach to commoditized agriculture,” Daley said.
Chico State President Steve Perez was also at the event and hosted a panel discussion between university faculty and state officials.
