Land Core Newsletter - Fall 2024
Dwight Burdette via Wikimedia Commons
Dear friends & colleagues,
Many of you know that Harley and I co-founded Land Core in January of 2017, fueled by the conviction that building our nation’s soil health could help expand the resilience and profitability of US agriculture and strengthen our communities more broadly.
Over the last eight years, and two very different presidential administrations, Land Core has worked continuously to advance soil health policies and programs that create value for farmers, businesses and communities.
This election yet again underscores the importance of engaging with rural communities and building broad coalitions of support - something Land Core has done uniquely and consistently throughout our tenure.
Now, more than ever, we need organizations who can serve as a bridge between diverse stakeholders, and position soil health as a common ground issue and the foundation of sound U.S. farm policy.
Over the last few months, we’ve been engaged in a strategic planning process, identifying opportunity areas in USDA and other federal agencies where our leadership on soil health can help achieve shared goals around farm prosperity, resilience and risk mitigation.
Similarly, we are committed to the work ahead required to pass a farm bill, and we welcome partnerships that can help advance the common-sense, voluntary, and no/low-cost policy proposals we have championed since day one.
You can also continue to count on us for up to date info and analysis in our Federal Soil Health Bill Tracker, and our other non-partisan, educational resources. We’re always gratified to hear from folks who use our work to stay abreast of federal policy and other issues affecting them.
All this, along with our foundational work quantifying the risk-mitigating benefits of soil health and building cross-sector partnerships that can unlock catalytic streams of capital for soil health and resilience in agricultural systems.
I invite you to rejoin us on the road ahead by making a tax-deductible donation. Your gift makes this work possible.
With gratitude,
Aria McLauchlan
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Policy Updates
Election Updates
The 2024 elections have brought notable shifts that could impact agriculture policy and the future of soil health initiatives. With Republicans securing the Senate majority, Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is expected to take over as chair of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. Meanwhile, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is preparing to become the top Democrat on the committee, following Senator Debbie Stabenow’s (D-MI) retirement. Republicans also retained control of the House, with both Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA) winning reelection, pointing to some possible continuity on agriculture issues.
Only a handful of committee members were not re-elected, including Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY), Rep Lori Chavez-Deremer (D-OR), Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-CO), and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), opening the door for new voices on key issues.
At USDA, we may see a shift away from the Biden Administration's climate-smart initiatives; however, funding secured by the Inflation Reduction Act remains protected, preserving resources for soil health and conservation, albeit with some potential reprioritization. Finally, it remains to be seen how RFK Jr.’s influence might shape ag policy if he takes on a role in the administration. He has been vocal about supporting regenerative agriculture and food system reform.
Attention is now on the appointment of key positions at USDA. The aforementioned Chairman Thompson is among the names being floated for Secretary of Agriculture, along with Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, Ted McKinney, current CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY).
Farm Bill & Disaster Relief Assistance
On November 18, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow unveiled her proposed Farm Bill text, with a number of bipartisan proposals and some concessions regarding the Commodity Credit Corporation restrictions that have been a priority for GOP members. Senator Stabenow remains firm on two key issues: nutrition assistance and funding for climate-friendly agricultural practices. While adjustments have been made, it already seems that they have not aligned with Republican expectations, especially as the GOP prepares to take control of the White House and Congress.
As we approach the end of the year, we are monitoring potential changes in agricultural support, tariff plans, and resource allocations. Especially given the shifts in Congress, it is increasingly likely that lawmakers will opt for an extension of the current Farm Bill rather than passing a new five-year bill during the lame-duck session. This could delay critical updates and funding boosts for soil health and conservation programs.
Now lawmakers are working on a significant, $100 billion disaster assistance package, anticipated to be finalized in the coming weeks. This package aims to replenish FEMA’s accounts and provide relief for farmers affected by recent hurricanes and other extreme weather events. Congress may also include additional relief for farmers impacted by low farm income and market pressures.
With more news coming in each day, Land Core will continue tracking these developments closely as we work to support soil health priorities within the evolving political landscape.
USDA Seeks Public Input on Climate Benefits of Conservation Practice Standards
The USDA is seeking public input by December 23, 2024, on how to improve conservation practice standards, specifically on practices that can support producers in building resilience through climate mitigation and adaptation. Learn more here.
Soil Health Risk Modeling
While our modeling team continues to expand the scale and scope of our model behind the scenes, the Land Core team has been on the fall conference trail and deep in conversation with a host of capital providers, insurers and technologists, who see both the necessity and tremendous opportunity of assessing and pricing the risk-reducing benefits of healthy soil.
As more and more stakeholders, especially in the private sector, identify soil (and nature)-based risk assessment as a critical area of focus, we believe that collaboration will be essential. Interested in discussing a potential pilot or partnership? Let us know at staff@landcore.org.
Welcome, Meg!
We're thrilled to announce that Meghan “Meg” Adelman, RN, MPH, HWC, is joining our team as Programs Manager. Meg brings a wealth of experience in public health, nutrition, agriculture, and policy, including starting the pioneer superfood company, Navitas Organics with her husband, Zach, in 2003. She’s designed and managed a variety of programs and led countless cause marketing initiatives and community partnerships. Learn more about Meg and our team here.
What We're Reading
South Dakota’s Thune wins Senate GOP leader race
Sen. John Thune, R-SD, and Senate Agriculture Committee member, has won the Senate GOP leader race, succeeding Mitch McConnell after an 18-year tenure, “a good sign for agriculture”.
November 13, 2024 | By: Jerry Hagstrom, The Hagstrom Report
The mystery number that’s key to whether Biden’s spending survives
Reporters explore the amounts remaining from Inflation Reduction Act funds appropriated to climate efforts (including $19.5 billion for “climate-smart agriculture” and conservation programs), which may be repealed or reappropriated by GOP lawmakers.
November 12, 2024 | By: Jessie Blaeser and Kelsey Tamborrino, Politico
Unhealthy dietary patterns drive $8 trillion in annual hidden costs of global agrifood systems
The UN-FAO released its new report, “The State of Food and Agriculture 2024”, providing in-depth true-cost accounting across 156 countries and across different agri-food systems. The report concludes that 70 percent of global hidden costs stem from health impacts linked to non-communicable diseases such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes.
November 8, 2024 | By: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Campbell’s and Kind receive USDA support to advance regenerative agriculture for key ingredients
More major food companies are relying on the USDA and a collaborative network of nonprofits and suppliers as they push to transform their supply chains.
November 4, 2024 | By: Sarah Zimmerman, Agriculture Dive
6 surprising ways soil and human health are linked
Building on UNESCO’s report on the (highly degraded) state of the world’s soils released mid-year, this piece outlines how soils are essential for nutritious food, gut health, mental health and more.
October 2, 2024 | By: World Economic Forum
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