USDA launches $3 billion initiative for climate smart agriculture
October 18, 2024 | USDA -NRCS, USDA, Executive, Federal
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In a recent government meeting, officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlighted significant advancements in the development of climate smart commodity markets aimed at supporting rural communities and addressing climate change. The USDA has committed over $3 billion to nearly 140 projects across all 50 states, impacting more than 100 commodities and utilizing nearly 200 climate smart practices.
The initiative, launched in 2022, seeks to encourage farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to adopt sustainable practices that not only enhance environmental benefits but also create economic opportunities. The USDA's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, educational institutions, and government bodies, to foster a robust market for climate smart goods.
During the meeting, officials reported that over 14,000 farms, covering more than 3.2 million acres, are now enrolled in projects producing climate smart commodities. Notably, more than 40 of these commodities are already available in the marketplace, catering to diverse buyers such as universities, food hubs, and retailers.
Examples of successful products include climate-friendly certified rice produced in Arkansas, which utilizes less water and generates lower methane emissions, and a range of distilled spirits labeled as climate smart, developed through partnerships with local distilleries in Wisconsin. Additionally, the USDA is working with barley farmers to connect them with major brewing companies, showcasing the tangible benefits of the initiative.
The USDA's commitment to climate smart practices not only aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change but also seeks to revitalize rural economies by creating good-paying jobs and supporting small and midsized producers, who represent 90% of U.S. agricultural producers. As the initiative progresses, officials expressed optimism about the potential for further growth and the establishment of sustainable markets that benefit both the environment and rural communities.
The initiative, launched in 2022, seeks to encourage farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to adopt sustainable practices that not only enhance environmental benefits but also create economic opportunities. The USDA's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, educational institutions, and government bodies, to foster a robust market for climate smart goods.
During the meeting, officials reported that over 14,000 farms, covering more than 3.2 million acres, are now enrolled in projects producing climate smart commodities. Notably, more than 40 of these commodities are already available in the marketplace, catering to diverse buyers such as universities, food hubs, and retailers.
Examples of successful products include climate-friendly certified rice produced in Arkansas, which utilizes less water and generates lower methane emissions, and a range of distilled spirits labeled as climate smart, developed through partnerships with local distilleries in Wisconsin. Additionally, the USDA is working with barley farmers to connect them with major brewing companies, showcasing the tangible benefits of the initiative.
The USDA's commitment to climate smart practices not only aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change but also seeks to revitalize rural economies by creating good-paying jobs and supporting small and midsized producers, who represent 90% of U.S. agricultural producers. As the initiative progresses, officials expressed optimism about the potential for further growth and the establishment of sustainable markets that benefit both the environment and rural communities.
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