USDA Calls for Expanded ‘Climate-Smart’ Ag Rewards for Farmers

The Agriculture Department has new goals to secure financial incentives for farmers who participate in carbon-conservation practices according to their new climate plan strategy. While there was no direct mention of incentivizing farmers using the federal crop insurance program, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said it didn’t rule out the idea either. According to Agri-Pulse, there has been talk among industry groups about the desire to launch nationwide subsidy programs to encourage the wider use of such practices. The report made no direct mention of establishing a carbon bank, had no specific policy proposals or using the department funding to pay farmers. Get a more in-depth rundown of the report’s goals and intentions.