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USDA working towards carbon sequestration goals

USDA celebrated the one year anniversary of its launch of climate change mitigation goals by investing more than $73 million towards enhancing carbon storage in soils.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said during a panel discussion Thursday at the Center for American Progress that the funding will provide necessary tools and resources called for under the President’s Climate Change Action Plan.

A number of stakeholders involved in USDA’s 10 Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture participated in the announcement, including the Environmental Defense Fund.

EDF sustainable ag director Suzy Friedman says she is encouraged by the increasing number of supply-chain companies engaging in sustainability.

“Really excited by how some in the ag retail sector are stepping up not just to provide products to farmers, but services that help them be more resilient and sustainable.”

USDA is aiming to increase carbon sequestration by over 120 million metric tons by 2025.

Friedman tells Brownfield the project has value for farmers, but not necessarily under the guise of climate change.

“More immediately for (farmers), it’s about improved crop management, maintaining high yields while improving efficiency to reduce what is lost and the economic benefits there.  (also) Improving their resilience to extreme weather.”

In addition to financial assistance, USDA also plans to establish national guidelines for cover crops and continue its development of a Soil Health Monitoring and Enhancement Network.