The U.S. Senate on June 24 passed S.1251, the “Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021,” in a vote of 92-8. The bill would help boost ag carbon markets by creating a certification process at USDA. Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President and CEO Daren Coppock expressed support for the bill and urged the U.S. House to follow suit.
“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,” Coppock said. “ARA contends that these carbon markets should be voluntary and incentive-based. Today’s action is a step in the right direction, and we will continue to ensure that the ag retailer is a part of the conversation as the bill is taken up by the House.”
ARA has supported a range of voluntary federal policy options to encourage carbon sequestration, including a performance-based tax credit modeled after 45Q carbon capture credit; a USDA-led Commodity Credit Corporation carbon bank; and the provision of a one-time payment for early adopters.
ARA has also advocated for changes to USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), including increasing NRCS funding; enhancing work on GHG mitigation and adaptation, and on conservation technical assistance related to soil health and climate outcomes; streamlining the NRCS conservation practice approval process; incentivizing contracts that improve soil carbon and climate resilience; and supporting the use of cover crops to support soil health and cropland sustainability efforts.
ARA also supports establishing a USDA grant program to help states improve soil health on agricultural lands, and directing USDA to conduct a study on the interaction between crop insurance and soil health practices.