WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate Agriculture Committee reintroduced the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act Thursday. The bill’s aim is breaking down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets for climate-smart practices. The bill has broad, bipartisan support from over 60 leading agricultural and environmental organizations and currently has 42 cosponsors in the Senate. Specifically, the legislation creates a certification program at USDA to help solve technical entry barriers. The bill also instructs USDA to produce a report to Congress to advise about the further development of this policy area including: barriers to market entry, challenges raised by farmers and forest landowners, market performance, and suggestions on where USDA can make a positive contribution to the further adoption of voluntary carbon sequestration practices in agriculture and forestry. Now, the bill heads to the Senate floor for consideration.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)