US- The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest close to US$3 billion in initiatives to cut emissions from farming and forestry that harm the climate.
The amount triples the US$1 billion in funding that had earlier been earmarked for the initiative known as Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities.
According to the agency, the volume of applications received was so overwhelming that more than US$3 billion was made available through the Commodity Credit Corporation.
For its initial round of hiring, the agency received 450 applications with project bids ranging from US$5 million to US$100 million.
The program will provide funding for 70 initiatives in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico that aim to persuade farms to reduce emissions in a number of ways.
Areas of focus include optimizing manure management to reduce methane emissions and investment in cover crops to improve soil health and absorb carbon.
“USDA is delivering on our promise to build and expand these market opportunities for American agriculture and be global leaders in climate-smart agricultural production,” USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says.
“This effort will increase the competitive advantage of U.S. agriculture both domestically and internationally, build wealth that stays in rural communities, and support a diverse range of producers and operation types.”
The second round of awards will be made later this fall with 600 applicants expected to compete for grants ranging from US$250,000 to US$4.9 million.
The Biden Administration has taken bold, broad-reaching actions to help mitigate the effects of inflation on American families and ensure they can keep healthy food on the table.
The USDA which is on an investment spree has also invested close to US$2 billion in additional funding to food banks and school meal programs for purchasing American-grown foods.
“Funding these initiatives is paramount in the fight against hunger, and further demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration and USDA’s commitment to strengthen food and nutrition security,” said Vilsack.
“We must ensure Americans have access to safe, healthy, affordable food for longevity and optimal health.”
The additional assistance will enable these groups to continue delivering nourishing foods to children and families in need while overcoming supply chain difficulties and rising food prices.
“Food banks and schools are the backbones of our nutrition safety net, serving tens of millions of children and families,” said Stacy Dean, Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services.
She noted that the Biden Administration understands that supply chain disruptions and high food costs have created uncertainties for these crucial partners.
The Biden Administration has taken bold, broad-reaching actions to help mitigate the effects of inflation on American families and ensure they can keep healthy food on the table.
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