NFU Supports USDA Initiatives Helping Farmers to Adapt to Climate Change
US - US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s announced that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans on establishing seven "Regional Climate Hubs," create new Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) climate adaptation tools for farmers, and create uniform cover crop guidelines in an effort to help US agriculture adapt to climate change.In response to Secretary Vilsack's announcement, National Farmers Union (NFU) President said: "NFU applauds the administration’s effort to directly engage agricultural producers on solutions to addressing climate change. Changing weather patterns will lead to new threats such as floods, wildfires, the introduction of new pests and invasive species.
"It is crucial that the link between our producers and USDA remain strong so that farmers and ranchers have access to the best available information when making decisions on their land."
Secretary Vilsack stated that, "by taking collaborative, regionally-appropriate steps today to adapt to threats, USDA can help American agriculture continue its tremendous productivity in the years to come."
NFU has long believed that climate change is a significant threat to American agriculture, and more must be done to mitigate and adapt to the effects.