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At a Glance: The IRA included $19.5 billion to support sustainable farming that helps farmers and tackles climate change, but Congressional Republicans are threatening to repeal it through the 2023 Farm Bill. Here are three reasons why we can’t let them:
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When the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed in August 2022, America’s farmers received an extra bump in conservation funding. Freshly equipped with $19.5 billion for climate-smart agriculture programs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) became ready to support farmers as they face crop-damaging floods and livestock-killing heatwaves.
But here’s the bad news: Republicans in Congress are threatening to use the 2023 Farm Bill reauthorization to revoke funding for the climate-smart agriculture programs that deliver real economic benefits to farmers. These programs are so popular that there are consistently more farmers applying than available funding.
After decades of disinvestment, rural and agricultural communities deserve investments in a thriving, clean energy economy that will deliver jobs, justice, and climate resilience, not a backslide in support.
Right now, Congress has a powerful opportunity to protect the $19.5 billion for climate-smart agriculture programs. But first, let’s cover what the Farm Bill is and why it matters—whether or not you’re a farmer.