What is "USDA's Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities"?

USDA announced on September 14, 2022, the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities investment of up to $2.8 billion in 70 projects.  

The fund was initially $1 billion, which was announced in February and the USDA increased its investment after recognizing the potential of the over 450 projects proposed by applicants. The applicants included nonprofit organizations, for-profits, government entities, farmer cooperatives, energy and environmental groups, universities, small businesses, and large corporations.  

The fund will increase the demand for climate-smart products, capitalize on GHGs reductions associated with their production, and support production agriculture directly and significantly, particularly for small and marginalized producers. 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack expressed that the latest venture is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about the firsthand impacts of climate change on farmers, ranchers, and producers. "I know that those farmers, ranchers, and producers see agriculture as part of the solution to mitigating the impacts and adapting to changing conditions as a result of climate change," said Vilsack.  

Grants will be given to various organizations, universities, and minority-serving institutions to assist in funding the upcoming sustainability initiatives. The lead partners include the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, National Association of Conservation Districts, US Cotton Trust Protocol, California Dairy Research Foundation, South Dakota State University, Tyson Foods, Inc, and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, among others. You can find the complete list of projects and partners here.  

The unveiled projects are expected to substantially impact American farmers and local communities. The image below is an infographic glance at the potential outcome analysis by the USDA.  

Image: USDA

According to Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities fund is part of USDA's commitment to grow and broaden the market prospects for American agriculture and to set the standard for climate-smart agricultural production around the world. These initiatives will give US agriculture an upper hand both domestically and globally, generate income for rural areas, and empower a wide range of producers.  

The approved projects will be funded, ranging from $5 million to $100 million over five years.   

Visit the official USDA website at www.usda.gov for more information.