Frozen Conservation Funds Put Farmers in Climate Limbo
TL/DR –
Farmers across the U.S. are facing uncertainty due to changes in climate and conservation policies by the Trump administration, which has seen billions of dollars in grants for sustainable agriculture, conservation, and “climate smart” projects frozen. Some farmers had already signed contracts and started work on projects before the funding was halted. Despite some funds being released recently, many farmers remain unsure about their future in a changing climate.
Farmers Face Uncertainty Amid Policy Changes
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Farmers nationwide are grappling with uncertainty amid changes in climate and conservation policies. The Trump administration’s actions have compounded this uncertainty, freezing billions in grants for sustainable farming, conservation, and climate-smart initiatives.
Many farmers had already signed contracts with the government and started these projects when the funds were frozen. Despite some funds from the Inflation Reduction Act being released, numerous farmers across the country remain in limbo.
Host Flora Lichtman discusses the challenges and future of farming in a changing climate with Patrick Brown, a farmer in North Carolina, and Dr. Kitty O’Neil, an agricultural climate resiliency specialist at Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension.
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