Climate Change

On Wednesday, the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences announced a big grant to help farmers combat climate change.  The award from USDA could total $55 million, and is the largest award in the university’s history, and nearly twice as large as any priori U of I grant.  In addition to supportin...

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association expressed disappointment this week over the White House’s recent Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy.   NC...

Last week Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced funding for climate-smart pilot projects under the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program.  American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said these projects are a positive step forward in recognizing farmers as partners.   “Secr...

The Climate-Smart agriculture partnerships funding announced last week has some environmental groups drawing criticism.  While welcomed by many in the food and agriculture sector, environmental group Friends of the Earth says some of the funding recipients are unacceptable. ...

The USDA announced last week, it will invest up to $2.8 billion in 70 selected projects under the first pool of funding for the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity.  Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said farmers had a lot of input into developing the partnerships.  ...

The beef industry says agriculture emissions are not regulated by the Clean Air Act and the bipartisan Livestock Regulatory Protection Act would keep it that way.  National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Mary Thomas Hart concedes farms and ranches emit methane, ammonia and other pollutants, but at a level below what the Clean Air Act regulates.   “But we know...

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association voiced support last week to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee regarding the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act.  During a committee hearing, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart told lawmakers, “NCBA strongly supports the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act, which protects farmers and ranchers from onerous regulation.” The legislatio... Rea

The USDA plans to announce projects receiving funding via the partnership for climate smart commodities program later this month.  Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said climate smart commodities will help revive rural communities in a variety of ways.   “...

Applications are now being accepted for Corteva Agriscience’s 2022 Climate Positive Leaders Program.  The program recognizes farmers and ranchers who implement, scale and share climate-positive practices.  The program will give the selected global and regional leaders tools and opportunities to broadly share their experiences and help accelerate the adoption of climate positive practices.  The pro

The Department of Agriculture this week announced $121 million in funding for “critical infrastructure” to combat climate change in rural America.  The investments include $111 million for 289 projects to help people living in socially vulnerable communities.      “Rural Am...