USDA Investing $2.8 Billion in Climate-Smart Commodities Partnerships and Projects

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the USDA is investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 selected projects under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity.  USDA’s initial investment of $1 billion is expected to triple to more than $3 billion in pilot projects that will create market opportunities for American commodities produced using climate-smart practices.  These projects, according to the Department, will expand markets for climate-smart commodities, leverage greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodity production, and provide meaningful benefits to production agriculture.

Applicants submitted more than 450 project proposals for the first round of funding.

 “There is strong and growing interest in the private sector and among consumers for food that’s grown in a climate-friendly way,” Vilsack said.  

The strength of the 70 projects led USDA to increase its investment from the $1 billion announced earlier this year.  More information on Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities and program details visit the USDA's Website.

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