Agriculture's Role In Addressing Climate Change

Agriculture’s Role in Addressing Climate Change

• Introduction
• Opportunities for U.S. Agriculture
• U.S. Policy Options – The Farm Bill
• Beyond the Farm Bill
• Benefits and Costs to U.S. Agriculture
• Conclusion

Agriculture can make an important contribution to climate change mitigation while providing benefits to both farmers and the general public. Agriculture can reduce the net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that cause climate change by:

• Storing carbon in soils and plants;
• Producing fuels and electricity to replace fossil fuels; and
• Reducing emissions from livestock operations and agricultural lands.

Options for encouraging these activities include:

• Legislation that simplifies, broadens and harmonizes farm programs and promotes environmentally friendly practices;
• Policies that stimulate the use of biofuels and bioenergy; and
• GHG emissions trading.

Agricultural practices that reduce or offset GHG emissions can also improve soil productivity, water quality, and wildlife habitat.

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