h_agr_2016a_2017-01-10t13:34:38z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 01/10/2017

04:45 PM -- SMART Government Act Presentation from the Colorado Department of Agriculture



Don Brown, Commissioner of Agriculture, Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), introduced himself to the committee and identified CDA staff to the committee. Commissioner Brown distributed a presentation regarding the department's budget and performance plan (Attachment I). The committee also received copies of the department's regulatory agenda and the performance plan for FY 2017-18 (Attachments J and K). Commissioner Brown discussed the organization of CDA and briefly discussed specific programs within the department. He discussed the state of the agricultural economy in the state and public attitudes of the industry.



170110 AttachI.pdf170110 AttachJ.pdf https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/CDA%20FY17%20Performance%20Plan%20-%20FINAL%20Strategic%20Component%207-15-2016.pdf (Attachment K)



05:07 PM



Tom Lipetzky, Director, Markets Division, introduced himself to the committee and provided the committee with an update of the department's performance plan. Mr. Lipetzky discussed the three main strategic policy initiatives of the department: enhance public understanding of Colorado agriculture; increase marketing and sales opportunities throughout the state's food and agriculture value chain; and make it easier for our customers to do business with the department. Mr. Lipetzky stated that the department is making positive progress toward achieving the strategic policy initiatives. He discussed the consolidation of CDA offices and other efficiencies the department has implemented in order to achieve these initiatives.



05:16 PM



Chris Wiseman, Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture, CDA, introduced himself to the committee. He discussed the department's legislative agenda for the upcoming session, which include the Hemp Accountability Act, hemp transportation, addressing the term length of people sitting on the wine board, and removing marijuana from the Farm Products Act.



05:19 PM



Joy Huse Chief Financial Officer, CDA, introduced herself and discussed the department's budget requests. She discussed phase two of the department's office consolidation and explained that the department is requesting $26.7 million to complete that phase . She also discussed cash funds for the AgLicense, inspection, and enforcement.



05:21 PM



Jennifer Gurr, Chief Administration Officer, CDA, discussed the department's regulatory agenda and rule-making activities of the department.





05:23 PM



Chris Whitney, Brand Commissioner, CDA, responded to questions from the committee regarding brand inspection fees. Commissioner Brown also responded to questions regarding the brand inspection fees.





05:26 PM



Committee members thanked CDA staff for their presentation and Representative Vigil for his service.



05:28 PM



The committee adjourned.