USDA’s Promising Climate Roadmap Must Use Data and Science to Realize Goals

(WASHINGTON, DC) The U.S. Department of Agriculture today introduced its Agriculture Innovation Agenda, which outlines a vision for increasing U.S. agricultural production by 40% and cutting the associated environmental footprint 50% by 2050.

“The fundamental goals of the USDA climate roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water quality, and increase soil and forest health are imperative to building climate resilience on the front lines – America’s farms.

“What USDA presented today is a roadmap that points U.S. agriculture in the right direction after weathering one of the most difficult years on record.

“However, there are a few missing pieces that will need to be addressed before farmers can be expected to deliver on this ambitious vision.

“For starters, USDA must use the best available science to determine the true emissions reduction potential of agricultural conservation practices. In addition to commitments to improve conservation data collection and analysis, the agency must also boost investments in science and economic resources to equip farmers with the information they need to make measurable progress and reduce risk.

“2020 is a new year and a new opportunity for USDA to double down on investments in conservation practices that will make America’s farmers – and the world – less vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.”

• Callie Eideberg, Director of Agricultural Policy and Special Projects