What Impact Will Climate Priorities In D.C. Have On The American Farmer?

With the U.S. rejoining the Paris Climate accord, talk of a return to WOTUS and much more in Washington D.C., many in farm country are concerned what long-term impacts the climate priorities of the Biden Administration will have on the agriculture community. During a recent roundtable discussion, Jay Truitt, of Policy Solutions LLC, as well as Michael Torrey, with Michael Torrey and Associates, both based in Washington D.C. discussed what kind of impact climate efforts could have on rural America.

Torrey said while the farming community is not getting credit for the proactive steps already taken when it comes to addressing climate change and the environment, much of the industry’s focus right now is ensuring farmers have a seat at the table moving forward.

“And for agriculture who is already working together in Washington D.C. to try to come up with voluntary based solutions, that allow for cost recovery, albeit to the earlier point, that cost recovery may be exactly what folks hoped for, but still, trying to find a process that allows this to be as voluntary in nature as possible and reward farmers for a lot of practices they’re already engaging in.”

Torrey added that balancing act will be key for the agriculture industry moving forward.

Meanwhile, Truitt said he has no doubt, including or not including climate policy, American farmers will increase their food, fuel and fiber capacity across the board.

“The reality is, we have a growing world population, we have a growing population base and demand is going to drive supply, and U.S. farmers and ranchers maybe as well as anybody in the world always rise to that demand. 

Truitt added he expects to see an expansion from the Ag community, almost regardless of what the public policy components are.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com