Congress Paves Way for Farmers to Earn Revenue from Helping to Stabilize Climate

(WASHINGTON, DC) “The passage of the bipartisan Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program — formerly known as the Growing Climate Solutions Act — is something Environmental Defense Fund and countless others have worked toward for more than two years. This is a great opportunity for farmers and climate advocates. 

“U.S. farmers can be part of the climate solution by lowering emissions from farming and increasing carbon storage. This legislation paves the way for producers to generate additional revenue from providing these climate benefits, while also building resilience to droughts, variable rainfall and other climate impacts that are already making a difficult profession even harder. 

“This new U.S. Department of Agriculture program will increase the number of technical assistance providers who can help more farmers gain the knowledge they need to adopt farming practices that can qualify for credits on voluntary carbon markets. During this decisive decade for climate action, and with farm margins tighter than ever, this is an important win-win for the climate and producers’ bottom lines. 

“Congress also passed the Acceptance and Use of Private Funds For Public-Private Partnerships — formerly called the SUSTAINS Act — a law that will complement the Biden administration’s considerable investments in climate-smart agriculture by bringing the private sector to the table to help fund USDA conservation programs. 

“USDA conservation programs and voluntary carbon markets need to ensure equitable access for Black farmers and others who have historically been excluded from these opportunities. Carbon credits must also be based on robust science about net greenhouse gas and environmental impacts. EDF is pleased to see that scientific bodies like the National Institute of Standards and Technology will be included in the advisory council so that USDA can draw on and promote the be best available science for high-quality credits.  

“Those efforts, along with today’s legislative victories, are building a strong foundation for creating economic opportunity through agricultural climate solutions.” 

• Elizabeth Gore, senior vice president, Political Affairs