The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance, a broad-based coalition of organizations, this week released policy recommendations for the 2023 farm bill.
FACA’s recommendations, developed by the 23-member Steering Committee, are divided into six categories:
Conservation, risk management and credit
Energy
Food waste
Forestry
Livestock and dairy
Research, extension and innovation
Founding members of the alliance include both the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union, as well as many other organizations that traditionally disagree on aspects of farm policy. Leaders of both AFBF and NFU praised FACA’s recommendations.
“Climate change continues to be a serious threat to farmers, ranchers and their communities. Farmers are already implementing practices to address the climate crisis and make their farms more resilient,” said NFU president Rob Larew. “FACA’s farm bill recommendations will establish a strong foundation to support farmers and ranchers in sequestering carbon, building soil health and reducing emissions for years to come.”
AFBF president Zippy Duvall said, “Despite a pandemic, severe weather, volatile markets and rising costs, farmers continue to meet the growing needs of America’s families, and the farm bill helps make that possible. We look forward to working with Congress to strengthen Title One programs, improve risk management tools, and utilize these FACA recommendations to advance our sustainability mission in a manner that respects farmers and ranchers as partners.”
FACA is an 80+ member coalition with organizations represents farmers, ranchers, forest owners, agribusinesses, manufacturers, the food and innovation sector, state governments, higher education associations, sportsmen and sportswomen, and environmental advocates.