Making Agriculture a Part of the Solution

On January 27, the Biden Administration signed new executive orders to address climate change. Unsurprisingly, the orders included language directed to preserve manufacturing jobs, move towards clean energy, build a modern infrastructure system, and focus on scientific evidence. For my purposes, that is all great news. However, more importantly for this article, Biden also signaled that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will play a key role in the Administration’s climate strategy. What might that look like?

For starters, Biden selected Tom Vilsack as his agriculture secretary. Vilsack is no stranger to the role, having served in Obama’s cabinet for two terms. Vilsack is a known entity to many in the agriculture world. He has pledged to use his powers to encourage carbon sequestration. This idea has been around for a while, but the past year has sped up the process (life changing events related to the pandemic, food supply lines, livestock facility shutdowns, economic woes, and extreme weather across our rural areas can do that). Vilsack frequently touts “regenerative agriculture,” which is to say using crop rotation, cover crops, grazing, and other ancient farming practices to reduce carbon output.

Vilsack also has recognized the importance of securing fast, reliable rural broadband. Farmers need the internet as much as any office worker—precision ag, robotic milkers, and other high tech implements require a connection to reach their full potential. The union of technology on the farm and a renewed interest in sustainable farming—supported by the government—is a potent force. After all, farmers are the first environmentalists.

Instead of framing agriculture as a culprit, the federal government should treat agriculture as what it is: a partner, and potentially the biggest driver of a new economy focused on climate-neutral practices. Dairy farmers already do far more with less inputs. Hog farmers produce more pork today than they ever have in the past, and they do it in a way that prioritizes clean waterways. Row crops utilize nature’s organic fertilizer from local livestock farmers to enhance plant health and reduce reliance on chemicals. Solar and wind farms dot the midwest, providing clean energy to the coasts. Hemp has come out as an energy efficient crop for farms looking to diversify. Vertical farming, greenhouses, and hydroponics can all be a part of the solution, too.

Farmers are positioned to be the heroes—not the villains—of our country’s next chapter.