USDA launches climate solutions for agriculture

USAgNet - 02/28/2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking significant strides towards environmental conservation and support for the agricultural sector with the introduction of the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program, as authorized by the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA) and the SUSTAINS Act.

These initiatives mark a pivotal movement towards engaging farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners in voluntary carbon markets, providing them with new income opportunities through carbon credit sales while contributing to the fight against climate change.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasizes the critical role of agricultural communities in addressing climate change, highlighting the need for trusted information and resources to navigate the carbon market landscape.

The newly announced program aims to list qualified technical assistance providers and third-party verifiers to assist in generating carbon credits, ensuring consistency, reliability, and transparency in voluntary carbon markets.

The USDA is committed to formalizing this program in 2024, with steps already underway, including soliciting public input and establishing an advisory council. The SUSTAINS Act empowers the USDA to foster conservation-oriented public-private partnerships, leveraging private funds for conservation programs.

These efforts are part of the broader Biden-Harris Administration's agenda to transform America's food system, focusing on resilience, fairness, and sustainability. Through these innovative climate programs, the USDA continues to support climate-smart practices, conservation, and the creation of new income streams for the agricultural community, reinforcing its mission to touch the lives of Americans in positive ways every day.

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