FACA Proposes Farm Bill Policy for Economy, Climate
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) has issued proposals for the 2023 farm bill. This vital legislation can affect every American family and presents a significant opportunity for the food, agriculture, and forestry industries to advance their efforts towards climate mitigation while simultaneously maintaining existing economic opportunities and creating new ones.
To achieve further reductions in emissions across agricultural and forestry supply chains, a comprehensive approach is necessary, which includes providing financial and technical assistance, investing in research, promoting innovation, fostering public-private partnerships, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all producers.
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance's steering committee, comprising 23 members, has developed recommendations that fall into six categories: Conservation, risk management and credit, energy, food waste, forestry, livestock and dairy, and research, extension, and innovation.
Previous recommendations from FACA have been influential in shaping federal laws and programmes, providing guidance to members of Congress and administration officials. As such, we call upon both chambers of Congress and the president to take action this year and pass a farm bill that promotes voluntary, bipartisan climate solutions.
Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union, said: “Climate change continues to be a serious threat to farmers, ranchers, and their communities. Farmers are already implementing practices to address the climate crisis and make their farms more resilient. The farm bill presents an opportunity to build upon the programmes that support these voluntary, incentive-based practices. FACA’s farm bill recommendations will establish a strong foundation to support farmers and ranchers in sequestering carbon, building soil health and reducing emissions for years to come.”
Chuck Connor, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, said: “Throughout our work, FACA has been driven by the recognition that the farm bill is also a food bill, having importance beyond agriculture and impacting every family in America. Consumers are increasingly interested in both where their food comes from and the climate impact of what they eat. By helping America’s farmers, ranchers, and growers continue the adoption of more climate-friendly farming practices, the recommendations will help producers meet growing consumer preferences. Also, by building on and strengthening efforts to combat food waste in the 2018 farm bill, the recommendations would ensure that the resources put towards growing and producing food are used as efficiently as possible.”
Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President for Political Affairs at Environmental Defense Fund, said: “The farm bill is one of the biggest opportunities to advance conservation and climate solutions in the U.S. FACA’s recommendations will make it easier for farmers, ranchers, and foresters to help stabilise the climate while building resilience to climate impacts that are already affecting crops and livestock. In doing so, they can continue to produce food for a growing population and support vibrant agricultural and rural economies.”
Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, said: “Despite a pandemic, severe weather, volatile markets and rising costs, farmers continue to meet the growing needs of America’s families, and the farm bill helps make that possible. We look forward to working with Congress to strengthen Title I programmes, improve risk management tools, and utilise these FACA recommendations to advance our sustainability mission in a manner that respects farmers and ranchers as partners.”
Source: FACA
