USDA requests input on USDA's Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Strategy

From U.S. Department of Agriculture

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture published Monday a Federal Register Notice requesting public input on a climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy. The notice represents an important step toward implementing President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. The order, signed Jan. 27, states that, “America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners have an important role to play in combating the climate crisis and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, by sequestering carbon in soils, grasses, trees and other vegetation, and sourcing sustainable bioproducts and fuels.” The order directs Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to solicit input from stakeholders as USDA develops a climate-smart agriculture and forestry approach.

“USDA is committed to addressing climate change through actions that are farmer, rancher and forest landowner-focused and that create new market opportunities for the sector in a fair and equitable way,” Vilsack said. “We want your ideas on how to position the agriculture and forestry sectors to be leaders on climate-smart practices to mitigate climate change. This includes making the most of USDA programs, developing new USDA-led climate strategies, strengthening existing markets and developing new markets that generate income.”

The notice seeks information on four topics: climate-smart agriculture and forestry; biofuels, bioproducts and renewable energy; catastrophic wildfire; and meeting the needs of disadvantaged communities through USDA’s climate strategy.

The notice will be available for public input until April 30, and is available online through the Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/03/16/2021-05287/notice-of-request-for-public-comment-on-the-executive-order-on-tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home .

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is engaged in a whole-of-government effort to combat the climate crisis and conserve and protect the nation’s lands, biodiversity and natural resources, including soil, air and water. Through research, conservation practices and partnerships, USDA aims to find solutions to agricultural challenges, enhance economic growth and create new streams of income for farmers, ranchers, producers and private foresters. Successfully meeting these challenges will require USDA and its agencies to pursue a coordinated approach alongside USDA stakeholders, including state, local and tribal governments.