SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Food and Agriculture is joining with government partners, NGOs and private industry to celebrate the inaugural California Soils Week, scheduled to correspond with World Soils Day on Dec. 5, but also including events in Northern and Southern California from Dec. 4 to Dec. 7.

The week’s theme is “Healthy Soils, Healthy Lives,” in recognition of the fact that California’s soils help feed the world, conserve water, improve air quality, and fight climate change.

“California Soils Week will highlight all the remarkable gifts healthy soils have to offer,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “We hope that by telling the story of California soil we can help Californians better understand how vital it truly is.”

The events for California Soils Week are as follows:

– Monday, Dec. 4 (Kickoff Day): Viewing Healthy Soils information panels at State Capitol; 10 a.m., outside of Governor’s Office.

– Tuesday, Dec. 5 (World Soils Day): International webinar on climate smart agriculture to discuss the barriers, strategies and success stories related to soil health; 9 to 11 a.m. Join at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5217479928986888962.Legislative briefing on healthy soils at State Capitol, room 317, 3 p.m.

– Wednesday, Dec. 6 (Food Waste and Compost Day): Soil drop/compost education outreach to legislature, State Capitol, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Compost and farm tour for legislative staff, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Jepson Prairie Organics in Vacaville and Sierra Orchards, Winters.

– Thursday, Dec. 7: Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens Day), Urban Farm Tour, 11 a.m., GrowGood Farms, 5600 Mansfield Way, Bell. Sacramento Food Policy Council meeting, 5:30 p.m., Hot Italian, 1627 16th St., Sacramento.