USDA’s Approach to Climate-Smart Agriculture

Last Tuesday, National Farmers Union members met virtually with USDA leaders as part of their fly-in. According to USDA’s Senior Advisor for Climate Robert Bonnie, the agency is trying to approach climate solutions in ways that can actually be used in existing farming operations. “Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has talked about our interest in incentive-based efforts and market-based opportunities. This will be a non-regulatory approach and incentive based. We’ll create new market opportunities for producers. This will be collaborative. USDA will be in the lead.” Bonnie says climate smart agriculture isn’t all about mitigation, but also offering ways for farmers to become more resilient in extreme weather situations.