The USDA published its 90-Day Progress Report on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry this week.
The agency says it represents an important step toward President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and the shift towards a whole-of-department approach to solutions.
“With the right tools and partnerships, American agriculture and forestry can lead the world in solutions that will increase climate resistance, sequester carbon, enhance agricultural productivity, and maintain critical environmental benefits,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack.
“At this pivotal time, the president has called upon USDA to develop a strategy for climate-smart agriculture and forestry as part of a whole-of-government effort to addressing the climate crisis.”
He also says central to USDA’s approach is the concept that whatever the agency does must work for farmers, ranchers, and landowners.
The goal is to combat the climate crisis and conserve and protect the nation’s lands, biodiversity, and natural resources like soil, air, and water.
Through research, conservation practices, and partnerships, USDA is looking to find solutions to agricultural challenges, enhancing economic growth, and create new streams of income for farmers, ranchers, producers, and private foresters.
More information on the progress report is available at www.usda.gov.
