Save funding for farming practices that address climate change
December 13, 2024
Background: Agriculture plays a crucial role in our nation's economy and food systems. However, it is also a growing and significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers have long utilized regenerative and sustainable practices such as using cover crops and no-till agriculture to protect land and water resources, enhance farm productivity, and build climate resilience—practices which also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provided additional funding to support farming practices and programs that help preserve the environment and address climate change. However, the proposed Farm Bill extension removes funds from these essential climate-smart initiatives. If approved, this would mean less financial assistance available for small farmers wanting to implement practices that are sustainable and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
As negotiations are underway for the Farm Bill extension, please urge your members of Congress to pass an extension that invests in farming practices that are regenerative, sustainable and climate resilient, protecting our land, water and climate for generations to come.
Faith reflection: “You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops.” (Psalm 65: 9-10, NIV)
Action: Save funding for farming practices that address climate change
Photo above: IVEP participant Fionah Kansiime tends to the onion harvest while serving as a forestry intern at Hungry World Farm in Tiskilwa, Illinois. MCC Photo/Cal Zehr
