Letter: Farm bill needs financing for climate initiatives - The Delaware County Daily Times

Letter: Farm bill needs financing for climate initiatives

Editor:

Every night before dinner, my family says grace, thanking God for the food on our table.

From God’s blessings, our farm-rich location in Pennsylvania, and the hard work of local farmers who we buy from at our town’s farmer’s market each Sunday, we can count on a fresh, healthy meal each night.

The impacts of our climate crisis pose threats to farming. Pennsylvania just experienced its driest May on record and days above 95 degrees are becoming more common.

Reliable meals are possible due to the federal Farm Bill, reauthorized every five years, which is being negotiated now in the U.S. Congress.

Congress has a huge opportunity to pass a Farm Bill that includes programs to support conservation and sustainable, climate-smart agriculture.

The bill is expected to top $1 trillion this year for the first time, potentially including $20 billion for climate-smart agriculture allocated by the Inflation Reduction Act.

Unfortunately, the bill is at risk to be used instead as a vehicle for environmental rollbacks. Opposition looks to strip the $20 billion in climate initiatives from being included in the final bill.

By ensuring this funding stays in place, we can empower farmers to embrace innovative farming strategies that reduce environmental impact while securing their own long-term prosperity.

To help, you can reach out to your elected officials to encourage them to advocate for full funding for climate and conservation programs in the Farm Bill.

Jake Lamb,

Media