Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021 Passes Committee, ARA Urges Swift Passage in Full Senate
Apr 22 2021
Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry voted unanimously in support of S. 1251, Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021. Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President and CEO Daren Coppock released the following statement:
"Agricultural practices will continue to play a key role in climate policy discussions, and it is essential that the ag retail industry is included in any climate-smart ag sustainability solutions. As the trusted advisor to farmers, the retailer plays a pivotal role in the development and implementation of climate-smart ag practices and conservation methods as part of broader on-farm management plans their farmer customers utilize in their day-to-day operations.
"Another key aspect of these discussions related to protecting our climate is the carbon credit market and the role retailers play in that space. As companies seek to offset greenhouse gas emissions, ag retailers can help their customers navigate a cumbersome marketplace that proves beneficial to both the farmer and their land, as well as the environment. The carbon credit marketplace should be voluntary and incentive-based.
“This important legislation will create a clearer framework for how this private sector carbon credit marketplace operates and decrease barriers to entry for the ag industry. By creating a more defined certification process for greenhouse gas technical assistance through USDA’s third-party verifier certification program, a role that ag retailers will be involved in, farmers will have a better understanding of the market and benefits it can provide for the industry.
"Any long-term solutions to addressing the challenges we face with an ever-changing climate will only be found through the continued partnership between the agricultural retailer and their farmer customers.
"ARA is grateful for the leadership of Sens. Stabenow and Braun. They have ensured that the ag retailer has been included in the conversations along the way.
"While this is the first of many hurdles for the bipartisan proposal, ARA will continue to support its passage in Congress and looks forward to being involved as it moves forward through the legislative process."
ARA is also a member of the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA), which released this statement.