Partnerships Will Invest $2.8 Billion Through 70 Climate-Smart Commodities and Rural Projects

On September 14, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that with the first funding pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, the USDA will be investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 selected projects. This triples the initial commitment and creates new revenue streams for America’s climate-smart farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. Projects from the second funding pool will be announced later this year.

With USDA’s total investment anticipated to reach more than $3 billion, these projects will expand markets for climate-smart commodities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide meaningful benefits to agriculture, including small and underserved producers.

“There is strong and growing interest in the private sector and among consumers for food that is grown in a climate-friendly way,” said Vilsack. “Through today’s announcement of initial selections for the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, 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. 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.”

USDA will work with the applicants for the 70 identified projects to finalize the scope and funding levels in the coming months. A complete list of projects identified for this first round of funding is available at usda.gov/climate-smart-commodities