Nurturing Our Future: 4 Reasons to invest in climate resilience on the farm

Farmers play a crucial role in addressing climate change, and our agricultural land holds significant potential for environmental recovery - yet much hangs in the balance with federal funding freezes and the uncertainty of how we transition to regenerative agriculture.

Soil-building has been a primary focus on Kearsarge Food Hub’s Sweet Beet Farm for the past 5 years. The difference in crop yield and resilience on the farm is tremendous.

Farms that are equipped to embrace regenerative methods can create a win-for-all scenario: sequestering carbon in the soil, responsibly managing resources, bolstering supply chains, and providing safe, nutritious food for a growing population.

However, for the past two months, billions of dollars in USDA funding earmarked for farmers, ranchers, and rural small business owners aimed at supporting climate-resilient practices have been frozen or terminated. This includes critical initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)-funded Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC).

These programs were designed to enhance research on things like drought-resistant crops, incentivize soil health practices that sequester carbon and enhance fertility, and promote renewable energy development across farms nationwide, among other important proactive actions.

Many farmer and food producers have already incurred expenses based on expected USDA reimbursement or matching funds through these contracts. While some freezes have been lifted, it’s still unclear as to how the original projects that farmers signed up for will be changed and if the dollars will come through (National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition). While the freezing of these funds adds to the economic pressure faced by an already challenged sector, this situation also poses a critical setback in the necessary transition from harmful agricultural practices to regenerative methods that are urgently needed.

Here are four reasons to continue investing in sustainable farming through programs that support forward-thinking practices and the folks who grow our food:

• As of 2022, the U.S. had 880 million acres of farmland, accounting for roughly 39% of the nation’s total land area (according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture). Unsustainable agricultural practices are a major contributor to land degradation, including deforestation, overgrazing, and excessive fertilizer use, which lead to soil erosion and fertility loss affecting nearly half of the planet's land.

• If these harmful practices persist, agricultural productivity is estimated to decline by up to 12% each year by 2050 (National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition). We must transition to more sustainable methods in order to ensure a food secure future.

• Soil has immense potential to capture greenhouse gases, making it an ideal focus for investment and research. Supporting regenerative farming, small to medium-sized sustainable farms, and educating the next generation of farmers on responsible growing practices that emphasize soil health can lead to immediate and long-lasting benefits in both environmental resilience and food security.

• Federal programs and funding designed for climate-resilient farming practices have proven to be effective in helping farms of all sizes transition to more sustainable practices in large part through research and development initiatives. As highlighted in an article from Grist article, approximately 64% of public agricultural research and development funding in the United States that advances these efforts are from the federal government.

The role of farmers in combating climate change cannot be overstated. By adopting innovative and regenerative practices, the agricultural sector has the potential to heal our planet while ensuring food security for future generations. However, the recent freezing and termination of essential USDA funding jeopardizes this progress, putting additional strain on an already vulnerable industry.

It is imperative that we advocate for the restoration and enhancement of federal programs that promote climate-resilient practices, enabling farmers to continue their vital work in sustainability. Investing in our agricultural future is not just a necessity for environmental health; it is a crucial step towards a resilient economy and a secure food system. Together, we can support our farmers in transforming our landscapes and creating a sustainable future for all!!