COP30, the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, brought together global leaders, scientists, advocates, and innovators to accelerate climate action. This year’s COP placed the Amazon, multilateral cooperation, and the urgent need for a just and resilient transition at the center of global climate discussions.
California’s participation came at a moment when the world is looking for real examples of climate solutions in action, and the importance of resilient agriculture and food production was a key piece of the discussion.
California is a global agricultural powerhouse, producing more than 400 commodities and supporting a $61 billion farm economy. For decades, the state has demonstrated that environmental stewardship and agricultural productivity can go hand in hand. With more than $690 million invested in climate-smart agriculture, California has proven that farmers and ranchers are essential partners in climate resilience, water conservation, soil health, and methane reduction.
This year’s COP dedicated two full days to food and agriculture. As CDFA Secretary Karen Ross noted, “Of the four COPs I’ve attended, this was the strongest focus yet on the essential role of farmers and sustainable food systems – not only in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also in delivering solutions through healthy soils, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. It was powerful to see programming that integrated climate, agriculture, water, and biodiversity holistically.”
California’s role at COP30 was threefold:
- Share what’s working: methane reduction, healthy soils, water efficiency, biodiversity, and resilient working lands.
- Learn from international partners: gaining new approaches in science, policy, technology, and on-farm innovation.
- Represent California’s farmers and ranchers: ensuring their challenges, innovations, and perspectives are included in global climate conversations.
Many attendees expressed how impressed and encouraged they were to see California show up early and stay engaged at COP30. Having Governor Newsom and other state leaders on the ground sent a powerful signal to the world that America’s climate work won’t pause or slow, even amid political shifts, and it underscored the essential role that subnational and local governments play in driving real, sustained climate action.
Together on behalf of CDFA, Secretary Ross and Deputy Secretary for Climate and Working Lands Virginia Jameson participated in panels, bilateral meetings, and strategy sessions focused on nature-based climate solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient food systems. Secretary Ross spoke on ten separate panels and emphasized how much she learned from fellow panelists. She and Deputy Secretary Jameson also met with agricultural organizations, representatives from six countries, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization—opening the door to new collaborations in climate-smart agriculture and research.
By showing up at COP30, California gave voice to the realities of farming with climate strategies, and underscored that producers benefit from the science, partnerships, and opportunities emerging on the global stage. As Secretary Ross reflected, there are not enough farmers and ranchers present at COP due to time, cost, and responsibility at home. California’s participation helps elevate their voices and keeps agriculture centered in global climate decision-making.
The delegation left Brazil inspired, energized, and ready to bring home new ideas that support farmers, ranchers, and rural communities while strengthening the resilience of California agriculture.