U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Highlights Historic Climate-Smart Agriculture Investments and Global Initiatives at COP29

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Highlights Historic Climate-Smart Agriculture Investments and Global Initiatives at COP29

Secretary Vilsack Showcases Progress Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Including Landmark Investments and Global Partnerships to Combat Climate Change

At the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack underscored significant strides made by the Biden-Harris Administration in addressing climate change through transformative investments in agriculture and forestry.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

His remarks highlighted initiatives designed to bolster climate-smart markets, foster innovative solutions, and create economic opportunities for rural communities. This marks the second-ever day at a COP event focused on food and agriculture, emphasizing the sector’s growing role in climate action.

Secretary Vilsack pointed to the Inflation Reduction Act as a cornerstone of these efforts, nearly doubling funding for voluntary conservation and climate-smart practices. He also spotlighted the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative, which has supported over 21,000 farms and developed markets for more than 40 climate-smart products, ranging from rice and beef to low-carbon biofuels.

According to a USDA report, this program is reshaping production agriculture by expanding markets and enabling producers of all sizes to participate in and benefit from climate-smart commodity production.

USDA’s global contributions were also in focus at COP29. The International Climate Hub, launched in 2023, has grown into a critical resource, with 26,000 users accessing its decision-support tools, webinars, and data.

Plans to expand its offerings include the AgroClimate Atlas and an International Climate Learning Network. These tools aim to equip farmers worldwide with knowledge to adapt to climate impacts, building resilience in an era of escalating natural disasters.

During the conference, Secretary Vilsack celebrated the progress of the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), a partnership launched at COP26 by the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

AIM for Climate has mobilized over $29.2 billion in investments toward climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation. Vilsack announced that U.S. contributions have reached $4.3 billion, with $80 million allocated to Atlas Agro North America Corporation to increase nitrogen fertilizer availability without adding to agriculture’s carbon footprint.

AIM for Climate has grown to include 800 partners from 56 countries, showcasing the global commitment to advancing climate-smart practices.

The Inflation Reduction Act, referred to as the largest investment in climate and clean energy solutions in U.S. history, has provided nearly $40 billion to position farmers, ranchers, and foresters as critical players in combating climate change.

Among recent achievements, USDA has allocated nearly $4 billion to assist over 28,500 farmers and ranchers in implementing climate-smart practices. Additionally, $8.3 billion in funding has supported rural electric cooperatives’ transition to clean energy, resulting in more than 10 gigawatts of new energy generation and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Secretary Vilsack also highlighted USDA’s wildfire risk reduction efforts, supported by $2.6 billion under the Inflation Reduction Act. These measures target 1.8 million acres across 550 communities, protecting critical infrastructure and watersheds valued at $700 billion.

Complementary initiatives include $1.5 billion dedicated to urban and community forestry programs, improving resilience in disadvantaged communities against climate-related challenges.

As the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate strategies gain momentum, Vilsack called on AIM for Climate partners to sustain progress even as the initiative prepares to conclude in 2025. He emphasized the importance of implementing recommendations outlined in the AIM for Climate Report, which envisions transformative investments leading to a world where hunger is eradicated, communities thrive, and the planet heals.

For more information about U.S. government activities at COP29, including Secretary Vilsack’s presentations, visit the U.S. Center at COP29.

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