MoFB President: “More Questions Than Answers” After Vilsack’s Visit To Jeff City

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack’s billion-dollar announcement Monday has several ag groups applauding the initiative to promote climate-smart practices in agriculture, while others are concerned about the price tag and what exactly would meet the definition of “climate-smart”.

Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins was in attendance during Vilsack’s speech at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, and said that he was left with more questions than answers.

Hawkins says he was assured by Vilsack’s comments that early adopters of conservation practices would also benefit from the grant program, which Hawkins noted could apply to most Missouri farmers. However, he expressed concern about whether voluntary climate-smart programs would turn into minimums before a commodity can enter the market.

In response to Monday’s announcement, leaders at both the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union expressed support for the idea. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said that, “Voluntary, incentive-based pilot projects are a great first step to identify barriers and ensure farmers and ranchers of all sizes can participate no matter where they are located or what they produce.”

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said that the announcement was a key step in helping farmers and ranchers be part of the solution to climate issues. Larew also praised the program’s potential to promote inclusive and collaborative approaches.