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Sacramento, CA September 29, 2026 - In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between California and Catalonia, the two regions have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reaffirming their shared commitment to agricultural cooperation. California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross and Cristina Massot, Secretary General for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of Catalonia, Spain, formalized the partnership, establishing a strengthened framework for collaboration that promotes shared learning, addresses mutual challenges in the agri-food sector and expands opportunities for farmers and ranchers in both regions.
The MOU creates a flexible structure for California and Catalonia to exchange experiences, address common challenges in the agri-food sectors and explore new opportunities for farmers and ranchers. Both regions share key objectives, including expanding international partnerships among academia, producers, industry and government as well as enhancing sustainability, innovation and competitiveness to support resilient, productive food systems in Mediterranean regions.
After signing the MOU, Secretary Ross shared "I appreciate the long-standing relationship we have built with Catalonia through the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership, and I look forward to strengthening our relationship with a renewed focus on agriculture. California's agricultural sector is under immense pressure from a changing climate, and as a Mediterranean-climate region like Catalonia, our coordination and shared experiences can help support a more resilient future for both of our regions."
This new partnership reinforces California's commitment to international cooperation on climate-smart agriculture, innovation and shared solutions for farmers and ranchers worldwide.
"This partnership goes beyond an institutional commitment; it is a practical tool to provide real solutions for our farmers and livestock breeders in the face of such urgent challenges as climate change and the digital transformation" shared Cristina Massot, Secretary General for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food. "By bringing together the knowledge and expertise of our academic and business communities, we can make the sector more sustainable, resilient and competitive, while at the same time, we can help ensure generational renewal and strengthen the position of our rural economies in an increasingly global marketplace."
Catalonia's participation aligns with ongoing global climate efforts led by California, including its involvement in the Under2 Coalition and Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership. Catalonia officials also met with California leadership to sign onto the Subnational Methane Action Coalition.
To facilitate implementation, the MOU designates the Office of the Minister of Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food in Catalonia and the Office of the Secretary of CDFA as coordinators responsible for developing an action plan. Specific activities identified include technical meetings to exchange best practices, biennial in-person meetings alternating between California and Catalonia, regular virtual follow-ups and collaborative pilot projects designed to advance innovation.
The text for the MOU can be found here.
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