Sen. Cleave Simpson is again sponsoring a groundbreaking bill in the upcoming 2025 Colorado legislative session, if reelected.
The Regenerative Ag bill (SB24-152) enjoyed amazing bipartisan support throughout the entire 2024 legislative session, including a “yes” vote from our very own Rep. Barbara McLachlan. Ultimately, the bill didn’t pass due to state budget constraints. In 2025, the funding strategy for the bill will be different; that said, the continued popularity of the bill – due to its ability to benefit everyone – is setting it up beautifully for 2025.
In 2024, the bill provided an income tax credit incentive for all on-premise food and beverage businesses for sourcing from their local and regenerative farmers and ranchers, creating positive ripple effects like: a valuable market signal for more producers to transition to soil health-focused methods; an increase in nutrient-dense, local food access (thus, improving health outcomes for Colorado’s citizens); boosting biodiversity (which decreases/eliminates the need for chemicals and fertilizers); and food system resilience and sovereignty.
Sen. Simpson’s support is foundational for the bill’s success as he is well-liked and respected on both sides of the aisle, something rarely seen in politics these days. The message from his opponent on Oct. 18 is as follows: “Simpson wants his first bill in 2025 to benefit himself and his friends who own large agricultural operations.” This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Thank you, Sen. Simpson, for being a steadfast proponent for a better, healthier Colorado.
Mandy Magill, co-steward, Earth Regeneration Alliance
Durango
