ARA Submits Comments to USDA-NRCS RFI on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Dec 23 2024
On December 23, 2024, ARA submitted comments to USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) to highlight the important work being done by agricultural retailers and their farmer customers that promotes climate smart and sustainable agricultural practices using important USDA conservation programs.
ARA recommended the agency add Conservation Stewardship Program E595D “Increase the Size of Requirement of Refuges Planted to Slow Pest Resistance to Bt Crops”, a program designed to promote the planting of refuge seed and slow the development of Bt resistant pests.
In the Southeast, there is a significantly lower percentage of refuge seed planted as the product is sold in separate bags. ARA recommended USDA-NRCS drop the required refuge seed threshold requirement from 30$ to 25% or lower.