Inflation Reduction Act Should Help Rural America, Vilsack Says

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the administration’s Inflation Reduction Act will have a meaningful impact on America’s rural and agriculture communities.

“Agriculture is at the forefront of our fight against climate change,” Vilsack said. “From climate-smart agriculture to supporting healthy forests and conservation, to tax credits, to biofuels, infrastructure and beyond, this agreement gives USDA significant additional resources.”

House Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow added the Act contains almost $40 billion to tackle the climate crisis, lower costs, and create good-paying jobs by investing in agriculture, forestry, and rural communities.  Over $20 billion is set aside for the tools farmers and ranchers need to help address the climate.  Those funds will help incentivize sustainable practices like optimizing fertilizer use and expanding cover crops.

Meanwhile, $14 billion will help lower costs for families and support what Vilsack called “good-paying clean energy jobs in rural communities.”

“It’s critical that Congress act quickly on this legislation,” Vilsack added.

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