Robert Sakata was appointed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture as the state’s first-ever Agricultural Water Policy Advisor. Here, he looks at a spillway on the Platte River near an agricultural water allotment channel.
Photo by Carol Miller
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has hired vegetable grower Robert Sakata to serve as the first Agricultural Water Policy Advisor, a position which was created as a result of funding approved during the 2023 legislative session to engage with Colorado farmers and ranchers on water issues affecting agricultural users. He will start in his role effective Jan. 1, 2024.
“I am beyond excited to have Robert joining our CDA team,” says Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “His lifetime of experience in water and as a farmer, his service to the state over many decades serving on related boards and commissions, and his clear commitment to serving Colorado’s agriculture communities make him the right person at the right time. At a time when agricultural producers are facing historic challenges, Robert will bring both empathy and expertise to the table to represent CDA in supporting ag through these challenges.”
Sakata is President of Sakata Farms Inc. in Brighton, CO which was started by his father Bob, and currently cares for 2,500 acres of irrigated farm ground between Brighton, Platteville, and Hudson.
“Robert brings experience that can only be gained by making a living in irrigated agriculture to this position,” Conservation Services Director Les Owen notes. “This will make him a tremendous asset to CDA in advocating for the agriculture industry on water issues.”
Sakata was appointed by Governor Polis in 2021 to serve on the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) as a representative of the South Platte Basin. Following the January meeting, Sakata will complete his term and serve as Commissioner Greenberg’s delegate to the CWCB.
Sakata served Colorado and worked closely with the Colorado Department of Agriculture for 15 years as a member of the Water Quality Control Commission, having been appointed by three different governors.
In speaking of public service, Sakata says, “I am honored to be able to participate in water discussions no matter where in order to build trust and foster positive relationships that can carry meaningful dialogue forward.”