The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) announced their policy recommendations for the 2023 Farm Bill according to a release.
The farm bill works to help the food, agriculture and forestry sectors achieve their climate goals while continuing to create new economic opportunities. Continuing to reduce emissions throughout the industries will take a large effort from a financial and technical standpoint with research investments, proactive responses, public-private partnerships and a commitment to equal opportunities for all producers.
FACA has six recommendation categories: conservation, risk management and credit, energy food waste, forestry, livestock and dairy, and research extension and innovation. These categories were developed by the 23-member Steering Committee.
In the past, the FACA’s recommendations have helped guide Congress and administration officials, and they have been given credit for helping to shape federal laws and programs. FACA is looking to pass a farm bull that advances voluntary bipartisan climate solutions.
FACA’s funding organizations and co-chairs shared some words regarding the policy recommendations and their potential impact.
“Climate change continues to be a serious threat to farmers, ranchers and their communities,” said Rob Larew, president of National Farmers Union. “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 programs 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.”
“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,” said Chuck Connor, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. “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 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.”
