Climate-Smart Ag Is Holding Strong in Build Back Better Act - Now Let’s Make Sure It Stays!
The Build Back Better Act was reintroduced yesterday as a $1.75 trillion bill, down from its original $3.5 trillion. While there were cuts to many portions of the bill, we are very happy to share that the provisions for climate-smart agriculture were left nearly unchanged - delivering a historic $27.15 billion for USDA conservation programs. This is the largest investment in conservation since the dust bowl!
President Biden’s October 28 announcement of the new Build Back Better Framework recognizes the role of soil conservation in combating climate change and building resilience:
That these provisions were not cut, when many others were, reflects a relatively new understanding by policymakers of the huge role ag and forestry will play in reaching our emissions reductions goals. Even one year ago, agriculture was not being positioned in this way.
This is a testament to the hard work of so many who have been advocating on behalf of soil health and regenerative agriculture as a natural climate solution.
We also want to say a huge thank you to Chairman Scott, Chairwoman Stabenow and our colleagues on the House and Senate Ag Committees for their incredible work championing this issue and communicating the value of expanded support for soil health practices throughout this whole process.
We’re not at the finish line yet, but we can see it from here. As negotiations continue, we urge you to call/email/tweet your representatives and political leaders to hold strong on $27 billion for conservation.
Join us in calling on Congressional leaders to:
Hold strong on $27 billion for climate-smart agriculture in the final version of the Build Back Better Act
Ensure we focus the funds exclusively on practices that achieve the objectives of building resilience and addressing climate by strengthening the needed guardrails on the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Thank them for recognizing soil health practices as a vital natural climate solution!
Make sure you tag @SenateAgDems, @HouseAgDems & @WhiteHouse in your posts so they can track and amplify your message.
Farmers, business owners, NGOs, concerned citizens - call, email & tweet now! Share why this historic investment matters to you. Your unique voice and perspective is critical in this all-hands-on-deck moment.
Stay tuned for additional information in the coming weeks on the changes we can expect to see to USDA farm and conservation programs as a result of this package.