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Learning network launched for Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program

USDA is implementing a learning network for the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Program, which will provide up to $3 billion to establish new markets.

At a virtual launch event Thursday, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said there are more than 140 partnerships in the network to help create new revenue streams and “Pilot innovated and cost-effective methods of quantifying the climate benefits, and importantly, develop markets and promote resulting climate-smart commodities.”

Representatives in every state will help provide technical assistance, help collect, measure and validate data and generate and publish lessons learned.

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says farmers must be direct beneficiaries for the program to be sustainable. “We need to know that it’s going to last for the long term. We need that information in addition to the other technical challenges, and hopefully spurring innovation in this space that we anticipate is going to happen with these partnerships.”

PJ Haynie, Chairman of the National Black Growers Council, says the network will also help build trust and offer support to minority growers. “The help here is that we have partners in the room. This is not just a farmer going into USDA and having an exchange.”

 Producers interested in participating can visit the Projects Dashboard to find projects in their areas.