Every five years, farmers and agricultural lobbyists gather in Capitol Hill to discuss the farm bill, a significant piece of legislation that provides funding for food and agriculture initiatives. The bill assists families in purchasing groceries, compensates farmers for crop losses due to adverse weather conditions, and supports less profitable commodity markets, among other things. The last farm bill was passed in 2018 and was extended in 2023 after negotiations stalled. Today, as the extension comes to an end, it appears that Congress is leaning towards another extension.
The primary disagreement between House Republicans and Democrats revolves around the allocation of funding towards food programs like SNAP and the Thrifty Food Plan. A major point of contention is the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which has become a focal point in the discussion about the relationship between agriculture and climate change. While EQIP only costs around $2 billion per year, its expansion under the Inflation Reduction Act has sparked debates over what constitutes “climate-smart” conservation practices.
The push for climate-friendly agricultural practices has gained momentum with the Biden administration’s allocation of funds for on-farm improvements. This investment is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture sector, which currently accounts for 11% of American emissions. The additional funding from the IRA is set to expire in 2026, prompting discussions in Congress about incorporating these initiatives into the new farm bill.
The House and Senate have proposed contrasting versions of the bill, with House Republicans seeking to remove the “climate-smart” label from funding. Conversely, Senate Democrats led by Debbie Stabenow are advocating to maintain climate guardrails in the bill to meet emission reduction targets. Without these guardrails, there are concerns that funds could be redirected towards practices that are not environmentally beneficial.
While there is support for climate-friendly practices in the agricultural industry, there is also skepticism about the effectiveness of certain initiatives. Some argue that current “climate-smart” policies may not yield significant emissions reductions and could inadvertently subsidize factory farming. Researchers suggest that a more comprehensive approach is needed to address farming emissions on a larger scale.
As Congress deliberates on the new farm bill, the fate of climate-friendly funding hangs in the balance. Lawmakers must navigate the complex relationship between agriculture and environmental conservation to ensure that future legislation effectively addresses climate change within the industry.
