Policy Solutions Webinars
Upcoming:
USDA Investments in Conservation and Climate-Resilience in New England: Assessing the impact and advocating for the future
Friday, February 9 | 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM EST | View the Recording
In partnership with the Northeast Healthy Soil Network, Food Solutions New England is hosting the following policy solutions webinar as part of the FSNE Campaign for Climate Resilience.
A year following substantial investments by the Biden-Harris Administration in the USDA, coupled with the passage of the Growing Climate Solutions Act in December 2022, the USDA is making strategic investments to de-risk the transition to climate-smart agriculture for corporations and remove barriers to market-driven solutions such as carbon-markets.
This webinar will explore the trajectory and impact of USDA investments in Conservation and Climate-Smart programs on climate resilience and farm viability in New England. The exploration aims to discern whether these investments are propelling the region toward a transformative shift in the food system or merely fortifying existing models and systems.
What to Expect
During this webinar facilitators, panelists, and farmers will:
- Provide an overview of the USDA Science and Research Strategy for 2023-2026, emphasizing how its research objectives are strategically aligned with broader Administration goals.
- Delve into the inflow of funding into NRCS conservation programs, such as EQIP, CSP, and USDA Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities.
- Share perspectives on these programs, followed by recommendations for refining or altering policies and funding solutions.
Who is Involved
Moderated by Julie Davenson, Soil Carbon Initiative, and Karen Nordstrom, Food Solutions New England
Introduction to USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023-2026 by Dr. Julie Snorek
Panelists include:
- Philip Ackerman-Leist – The Lexicon
- Matt Sheffer – Hudson Carbon
- Jennifer Byrne – White River Natural Resource Conservation District
- Dorn Cox – Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment
Additional Resources to Consider Before the Webinar
- Summary of Policy Investments
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- Through the Inflation Reduction Act, $19.5 billion in USDA’s conservation programs are purported to help producers stay on the farm, help prevent producers from becoming ineligible for future assistance, and promote climate-smart agriculture by increasing access to conservation assistance.
- Through the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, $3.1 billion is projected to be invested in 141 projects. The goal of the program is to increase market opportunities for American commodities produced using climate-smart practices. In parallel the USDA has announced its strategic plan and new research priorities to support it.
- President Biden signed the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA) into law on December 29, 2022, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. The GCSA is described as a major piece of environmental legislation that will help farmers and foresters implement climate-friendly practices to reduce emissions. The GCSA will also help farmers work with the USDA on climate-smart practices for voluntary, market-driven programs.
We’d like to acknowledge the support of the French Ministry and the 4per1000 Initiative for their contributions to this event.
