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RFA: Ethanol a Perfect Fit for USDA’s New ‘Climate-Smart’ Efforts

September 29, 2021

Environment, USDA

           

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked USDA Sec. Tom Vilsack for the agency’s new efforts to launch a “climate-smart” agriculture and forestry program. USDA announced today it is seeking comments to “test development of a Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Partnership Program that could encourage adoption of CSAF practices and promote markets for climate-smart commodities.” Specifically, USDA is considering actions that can be supported by the Commodity Credit Corporation to expand the use of climate-smart farming practices and aid in the marketing of low-carbon agricultural commodities.

 

“Earlier this year, RFA’s ethanol producer members led the way in pledging to reach net-zero carbon emissions, on average, by 2050 or sooner, and the program announced today by USDA could play a critical role in helping us get there,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Ethanol is the perfect climate-smart commodity, and we look forward to reviewing and commenting on USDA’s new program.”

 

According to the USDA, it is considering actions to expand the use of climate-smart farming practices and aid in the marketing of agricultural commodities, and it defines the term “climate-smart commodity” to refer to agricultural commodities that are produced using farming practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon. USDA is seeking comments on priorities and program design of the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Partnership Program that would facilitate the expansion of markets for agricultural commodities.