The Growing Climate Solutions Act successfully made its way through the Senate last week. Why is collaboration on behalf of farmers seemingly so notable?
| | | | | | | | | Growing Climate Solutions: A Case Study In Collaboration For Farmers? | | | Last week's news that the U.S. Senate had passed the Growing Climate Solutions Act should have been accompanied by brass bands and parades down Main Street -- at least based on the enthusiasm between the lines of media reports. For example, Politico's headline read: "In rare bipartisan move, Senate approves bill to help farmers profit on climate action."
It's a shame that bipartisanship on issues of tremendous importance to society is perceived as rare, particularly when it comes to proactive efforts to help farmers and ranchers take the next step in their regenerative agriculture journey. For those of us working with and championing farmers in regenerative agriculture, the good news is that this kind of collaboration - between farmers and conservationists of all political persuasions - happens day in and day out, out in the country. That's true no matter what happens on Capitol Hill, and it's cause for celebration and continuing to push forward. At the same time, the journalists are right. These are indeed unprecedented times, and that creates a window of opportunity. For example, last week, a number of Republican Party lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives announced the formation of the Conservative Climate Caucus to educate fellow lawmakers on "climate policies that align with the GOP and reduce carbon emissions," according to USA Today.
My hope - and I suspect yours, too - is that no matter where a person falls on the political spectrum, the winds of change mean there are ample opportunities to work together, across aisles and differences, to align on new paths for farmers and ranchers with regenerative agriculture. What trends are you observing that suggest the time is ready for climate-smart change? Send me a note at nbirt@farmjournal.com. I'd love to hear your perspective.
Until next week, Nate Birt
Vice President
Trust In Food, a Farm Journal initiative
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