Senate's "Growing Climate Solutions" Plan Gets Agriculture's Backing

A plan to help farmers and ranchers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while gaining more clarity on private carbon markets, is moving through Congress. 

The Senate approved the "Growing Climate Solutions Act," with a vote of 92-8. The bipartisan legislation has 55 cosponsors. 

Supporters of the plan say it will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also helping farmers and ranchers navigate voluntary programs, including private carbon credit offerings. 

The plan is backed by 75 agriculture, food and environmental groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). AFBF president Zippy Duvall says the act acknowledges the potential of climate-smart farming, while ensuring farmers are respected as farmers. Farm Bureau says, if passed, the legislation would provide clarity and guidance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in voluntary participation in private carbon credit markets. 

“The Growing Climate Solutions Act demonstrates how far we’ve come in climate policy over the past decade,” Duvall said. “Farm Bureau has worked tirelessly through the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance and directly with lawmakers to help them understand the importance of working with America’s farmers and ranchers to ensure climate policy remains voluntary and market-driven. We encourage members of the House to follow the Senate’s lead and work in a bipartisan manner to create responsible policy that protects the environment and protects the farmers and ranchers who rely on clean air and water to feed the nation.”

The House is currently working on its own version of the bill.