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Vilsack wants climate analysis for agriculture

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is pushing for greater analysis of the climate’s impact on agriculture.  Speaking Monday to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Vilsack said the analysis can be facilitated with the help of ten climate hubs and sub-hubs that have been established around the country.

“And they are designed to essentially begin the very detailed analysis of exactly how climate is impacting and affecting agriculture,” Vilsack told the audience Monday, “what are the vulnerabilities and risks in every region of the country, and what the strategies to try to address those impacts?”

The U.S. is cooperating with other nations as part of the Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture, said Vilsack, but he pointed out that there is work being done by 100 research centers under USDA’s umbrella.  Vilsack talked about advances in drought resistant corn, combating wheat stem rust, addressing livestock challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa and improvements in combating aflatoxin.

“All of this has helped to encourage more innovation, more investment in research, and a better collaboration between the United States and the rest of the world.”

The alliance was rolled out at last week’s United Nations Climate Summit with a goal of increasing agricultural productivity while protecting farmers from the effects of climate change.