Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Wednesday announced funding for climate-smart pilot projects under the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says the projects are a positive step forward in recognizing farmers as partners.
Duvall; “Secretary Vilsack’s announced $2.8 billion in funding to help develop 70 projects that will advance climate smart agriculture practices. These practices, they’ll help our farmers and ranchers advance their conservation goals through voluntary and market driven programs. We’re encouraged that these projects span all 50 states, and recognize the differences between regions, farm size and diversity of production in the United States.”
USDA developed the partnerships using recommendations from the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance.
“AFBF is a founding member of the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance, that’s a partnership with more than 80 other food, agriculture, forestry and environmental groups. We are pleased that Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack and Undersecretary Bonnie used FACA recommendations as a foundation when developing the partnerships for climate smart commodities. Several of the projects supported by AFBF and involving state and county Farm Bureaus were selected for funding, including projects supported by Tennessee Farm Bureau and California Farm Bureau.”
Duvall says AFBF will continue to engage on climate smart practices in the future.
“AFBF is looking forward to working with USDA and Congress on future climate smart agriculture initiatives. We’ll continue to seek out other voluntary market driven solutions that will help farmers and ranchers reach their conservation goals, while ensuring that we keep dinner on the table for families all across America.”
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