Ag Innovation Necessary to Address Climate Change

The American Seed Trade Association said agriculture innovation will help combat and mitigate the impacts of climate change.  In comments recently submitted to the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, ASTA said, "The development and commercialization of innovative plant products is already playing a significant role in helping U.S. agriculture reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

For U.S. agriculture to maximize its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration, several things are needed, according to ASTA, including additional private and public sector investment in agriculture research.  The organization said agriculture also needs rational government policies regarding evolving innovation in the agriculture space, and programs that incentivize farmers to adopt conservation practices.

The comments note plant breeders are helping through developing better and higher-yielding crop varieties.

ASTA added, "It's critical we continue moving forward, through robust investment in agriculture research and development, to drive forward the next generation of innovative solutions to meet the new and emerging challenges of tomorrow."

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