The Colorado Agricultural Development Authority is an independent public body established by statute in 1981. Its mission is to encourage the investment of private capital in the agricultural sector through the use of public financing for the purpose of making low-interest loans available to agricultural producers for specified uses.

CADA is governed by seven board members: three appointed by the President of the State Senate, three by the Speaker of the House, and one by the Governor. The Commissioner of Agriculture also serves on the Board as a non-voting member.