The report identifies challenges and solutions to pave the way for sustainable climate action in farming and forestry.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released a report, titled “A General Assessment of the Role of Agriculture and Forestry in the U.S. Carbon Markets.” The comprehensive report examines the current state of carbon markets in agriculture and forestry. This report marked a milestone under the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA), which was signed into law in December 2022, demonstrating the potential and challenges faced by farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in participating in carbon markets.
These markets offer opportunities to generate carbon credits by adopting practices that reduce emissions or sequester carbon, providing new revenue streams and supporting climate change efforts. Despite potential benefits, barriers like high transaction costs have limited farmer participation.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack mentioned that the president’s administration was “working aggressively to ensure farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and tribal communities have opportunities to be part of the solution to climate change, all while cultivating new revenue streams and fostering investment in rural communities.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for the president and his administration as they pursue climate goals and carbon reduction.
- For USDA Secretary Vilsack to seek God’s guidance as he heads his department and implements programs for farmers, ranchers, and foresters.
Sources: Department of Agriculture
