U.S. Soybean Farmers Weigh In On Vilsack’s Rural Climate Initiative

Washington, D.C. Feb. 7, 2022. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a new $1 billion investment in partnerships that support climate-smart farming, ranching and forestry practices and that expand market opportunities for those climate-smart commodities to increase their competitive edge.

The American Soybean Association was engaged in that program announcement on Monday.

“ASA appreciates USDA’s announcement of the new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative, which we hope will help soy farmers throughout the country and the agricultural value chain to address climate change,” said Brad Doyle, ASA President and Arkansas soy grower. “America’s soybean farmers welcome opportunities to grow sustainable markets for their crops, including as food, feed, biofuels, and other biobased goods, and through export programs like the Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol. Unlocking a new climate-smart commodity marketplace is a positive next step for our industry, and we are pleased to see what innovations this pilot program delivers.”

ASA commented on the early stages of the partnership program in November. As soy growers learn more about these new revenue stream opportunities, ASA reiterates that the industry has established long-term goals for sustainability, and soybean farmers work day to day through good farming practices to do their part and remain committed to the environment.