What does the Reconciliation Bill Mean for AG?
The surprise deal West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin struck with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer includes $40 billion in federal investments in agriculture priorities. The deal includes investments in agriculture, forestry and rural communities that Democrats say will create good paying jobs. Climate-focused farming: Half of the ag spending, or $20 billion, will go to currently oversubscribed USDA programs that incentivize green farming practices and limit greenhouse gas emissions. This includes strategic fertilizer use; carbon sequestration and storage practices; and greater application of cover crops. Go deeper: The green ag and conservation spending was lauded by Mike Lavender, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s interim policy director, who said that “Congress is poised to make a once-in-a-generation investment in effective working lands conservation. |