America’s farmers and ranchers can be active partners in solving the climate crisis by sequestering carbon in their soils and adopting climate stewardship practices. Many are already providing valuable climate and ecosystems benefits, but they need the federal government’s support to do it at scale. Congress must invest generously in financial and technical assistance, education, and research to encourage agricultural producers to implement climate-smart agriculture practices.
Increase carbon sequestration and reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by boosting spending for new and existing conservation programs to provide financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers eager to deploy climate stewardship practices.
Expand USDA resources, research, and partnerships to provide more education, outreach, and technical assistance to agricultural producers.
Support on-farm renewable energy and energy efficiency projects to help farmers reduce on-farm fuel use and emissions.
Preserve farmland from development and prevent the conversion of natural spaces to agricultural use in order to maximize carbon sequestration.
Increase support for beginning, young, and socially disadvantaged farmers and incorporate climate-smart agriculture into new farmers’ programs.
Reduce food waste and transportation emissions by supporting local and regional food systems and developing waste reduction goals and initiatives.