Agriculture should be in the driver’s seat on carbon policy

Farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists, with generational farming at the forefront of every producer’s mind. Over the past 50 years, farmers have consistently produced more food and fiber on fewer acres, with less water and fewer nutrient inputs. The commitment to leaving the land in better condition for future generations is deeply ingrained in farming culture.

The ongoing focus on climate change in the current administration raises concerns among farmers. Modern farming technology, adopted early, has made the United States a global leader in providing high-quality, nutritious, and safe food. Agriculture is uniquely positioned to naturally sequester carbon and convert it into valuable food and protein.

However, there is a growing disconnect between regulators and farmers regarding carbon policies. Some programs are being developed with a top-down approach, assuming that agriculture is part of the climate problem. Farmers argue that they have been and will continue to be part of the solution.

A key concept causing contention is "additionality," which ties value to sequestering "new carbon" through the adoption of practices new to individual farms. Farmers emphasize that the value should be assigned to the total amount of carbon reduced, mitigated, or sequestered each year, rather than only the "new carbon." While acknowledging the importance of encouraging more carbon sequestration, farmers argue against punishing early adopters of efficient farming technology.

Various sustainable practices, such as no-till farming, precision agriculture, the use of manure as fertilizer, and practices like grazing crop residue and cover cropping, have been employed by farmers for decades. These practices contribute to carbon sequestration, soil health, and overall sustainability.

Farmers assert that U.S. agriculture, land use, and forestry are a net sink for emissions, according to the Farmers for a Sustainable Future coalition. For example, U.S. cattle producers have already avoided 2.3 gigatons of carbon emissions since 1975, challenging misconceptions about the environmental impact of livestock.

In conclusion, farmers advocate for policies that encourage efficient and abundant food production, ensure accurate measurement of farmers' contributions to sustainability, and involve real farmers in the decision-making process. Their perspective emphasizes the need for collaboration and understanding between regulators and those working on the land.