The “Green New Deal” introduced by Democrats last week seeks to work with farmers and ranchers to achieve “net zero greenhouse gas emissions.”
The resolution is nonbinding, which means it would create no new programs if it did pass Congress, according to the Hagstrom Report, but it is a framework for discussion, especially in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.
The Food & Environment Reporting Network says one section of the resolution addresses agricultural production, calling for collaborative work with U.S. farmers and ranchers “to eliminate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector as much as is technologically feasible,” including by supporting family farming, investing in sustainable farming and land use practices that increase soil health, and “building a more sustainable food system that ensures universal access to healthy food.”
Rob Larew, senior vice president of public policy and communications for the National Farmers Union, says the organization understands “the need for action on climate change,” adding “NFU stands ready to work with Congress” to ensure that any federal legislation recognizes “what’s at stake for farm families and rural communities.”
The Green New Deal, however, isn’t expected to gain any approval from Republicans.
