LEGISLATIVE WATCH
Bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act May Help Farmers Tap Into New Economic Opportunities
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everal agriculture and dairy organizations, including MMPA and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) have applauded the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act introduced in the U.S. Senate in June. The bill is considered an important step toward reducing agricultural carbon emissions that aligns well with dairy’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality or better by 2050 through the industry’s Net Zero Initiative.
“We commend Senators Braun and Stabenow, as well as Senators Graham and Whitehouse, for their bipartisan work to facilitate greater farmer participation in environmental markets,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “Dairy farmers are environmental stewards who value proactive approaches to sustainability, and this legislation will provide a welcome boost to their efforts. We look forward to working with Senators Braun, Stabenow, Graham, and Whitehouse to advance this bill in Congress.”
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Committee, and Mike Braun (R-IN), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, introduced the bill with Senators Lindsey Graham (RSC) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) will introduce the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Mulhern noted that carbon markets will play an important role in the dairy sector’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, an industrywide effort that will require public-policy support. “Net zero is good for dairy farmers, good for consumers and good for the planet,” Mulhern said. “The Growing Climate Solutions Act is part of how Congress can be leaders in this effort, and we are excited to see lawmakers sharing our goal of a climate-friendly future.”
The legislation encourages sustainable farming practices by making it easier for farmers to participate in carbon markets. The Growing Climate Solutions Act creates a certification program at USDA to help solve technical entry barriers that make it difficult for farmers and forest landowners to participate in carbon credit markets. “MMPA appreciates the bipartisan efforts of Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow and Indiana Senator Mike Braun on legislation that would streamline and simplify the use of carbon credits for dairy farmers,” said MMPA Senior Policy Advisor Ken Nobis. “Dairy farmers utilize many conservation practices related to sequestering carbon in the soil. The proposed legislation would facilitate interaction with private entities looking for offsets to their carbon footprint. Dairy farmers look forward to being rewarded for their conservation efforts and continuing to play a role in environmental stewardship.”
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milk messenger
/ JUL-AUG 2020
The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry hosted a hearing on the Growing Climate Solutions Act on June 24, where prominent agricultural leaders urged passage of the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act.
“Today’s hearing showcased the growing support for the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act,” said Senator Stabenow at the hearing. “Our bill is a win-win for producers and our environment. I look forward to continuing to work across the aisle and across the Capitol to pass this important bill.” “As a Main Street Entrepreneur and conservationist, I know firsthand that if we want to address our changing climate then we need to facilitate real solutions that our farmers, environmentalists and industry can all support,” said Senator Braun. “The Growing Climate Solutions Act will help make those solutions reality, and I was glad to hear from prominent agricultural leaders encourage its passage at the hearing.” The bill has the support of over 50 farm groups, environmental organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. SOURCE: NMPF AND U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY
CFAP Enrollment Continues Through August 28 Dairy farmers are eligible for direct support through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP provides direct financial assistance to agricultural producers, providing them the ability to weather the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19. USDA is accepting CFAP applications through August 28. CFAP payments, which amounts to around $6.20 per cwt. are eligible to all dairy operations with milk production in January, February and/or March 2020. Production enrolled in risk management programs, including Livestock Gross Margin, Dairy Revenue Protection, Dairy Margin Coverage or forward contracts, also qualifies for CFAP payments. Call and set up an appointment with your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to determine your eligibility and to apply for assistance.
