By Lynn Bartels

Cauliflower no longer plays a backseat to broccoli. Rural lawmakers are surprised at how much time they spend on issues relating to hospitals and health care. New Gov. Jared Polis says it’s about time Coloradans put a farmer in the Governor’s Mansion.

Wait, what’s that?

Polis, who farms about 20 acres of alfalfa and has a history of dealing with flower growers, made that remark at the Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture.

That comment from a Democrat better known as a successful internet entrepreneur brought smiles from former Colorado Agricultural Commissioner Don Brown, a Yuma County farmer, and state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, who farms in Logan County.

“But I’m thankful that our governor is here addressing the agriculture community,” Sonnenberg said.

The 28th annual Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture was held  Feb. 27 at the Renaissance Hotel in Denver. Other participants included Polis’ new ag commissioner, Kate Greenberg, and Jason VonLembke, who oversees the Subsurface Irrigation Efficiency Project (SIEP) in Kersey.

SIEP's goal is to find innovative solutions that will help balance the state's increased demand for water while preserving Colorado’s agricultural heritage. The Platte River Water Development Authority and the United Water and Sanitation District are main sponsors of the project.

"The widespread adoption of drip irrigation in suburban landscaping as well as agriculture has the potential to help solve many of the issues identified in the Colorado Water Plan and we want to be on the forefront of research and advocacy for efficient irrigation," Mr. VonLembke said. 

SIEP sponsored a panel on the “Colorado Water Plan Update & Funding Initiative.” Other panels at the day-long forum included a focus on food trends, mental health in rural Colorado and a legislative update.