Vilsack highlights record agriculture exports, climate-change mitigation efforts in report to House on the rural economy

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack testified today before the House Agriculture Committee about the state of the rural economy over the past year. He acknowledged pandemic-related supply-chain disruptions and said they're proof that the ag sector must be diversified; he noted that the Agriculture Department will disburse $1 billion from the American Rescue Plan to expand meat and poultry processing capacity, Jerry Hagstrom reports for DTN/The Progressive Farmer.

"On climate change, USDA pointed to a new ten-year strategy for forests to reduce fire risk. USDA also began the Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry Partnership Initiative to finance 'climate-smart commodity production.' Vilsack also cited USDA had 'overhauled' the Conservation Reserve Program and enrolled 5.3 million acres, surpassing a goal of adding 4 million acres to the program," Hagstrom reports. "USDA's Risk Management Agency also offered more flexibility for producers with prevented planting coverage to hay and graze cover crops as well. USDA Rural Development also provided over $1.6 billion in various funds for renewable energy programs."