Senators Carper and Braun Introduce the Conservation and Regenerative Optimization Practices for Farming Act

The CROP for Farming Act expands the partnership between the federal government and farmers to protect the environment

U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced the Conservation and Regenerative Optimization Practices (CROP) for Farming Act, bipartisan legislation that expands access to federal funds for farmers looking to voluntarily reduce their emissions. This bill would make three new regenerative agriculture practices eligible for federal assistance: reducing nitrous oxide emissions, reducing methane emissions, and storing carbon in soil and plants.

“Farmers in Delaware and across the country are on the frontlines of climate change. That’s why I’m glad to introduce legislation that would provide an innovative way for farmers to reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions, which are harmful to our planet,” said Senator Tom Carper, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “This bill makes it clear that we can support America’s farmers while also building a healthier, more sustainable planet for generations to come. I am thankful to Senator Braun for working with me to help farmers all across our nation.”

“This bill allows farmers looking to voluntarily use sustainable agriculture practices get access to resources to help. Solutions that help farmers and support clean air and water for Americans are a win for Hoosiers and our country,” said Senator Mike Braun.

This bipartisan bill has received wide support from stakeholders, including from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

“Our farmers are already feeling the effects of climate change and are already adopting common sense practices that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build soil carbon, and make their farms better able to withstand extreme weather,” said Scott Faber, EWG’s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs. “The CROP for Farming Act will make these common sense practices a bigger priority for USDA’s biggest working lands conservation program and ensure that USDA is supporting our farmers when they take steps to combat the climate crisis. EWG applauds Senator Carper and Senator Braun for making our farmers and the climate crisis a priority for the Farm Bill.”

The CROP Farming Act builds on Senator Carper’s legacy of supporting regenerative agriculture practices that help American farmers while promoting a healthier planet. In the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Senator Carper successfully fought for the inclusion of key provisions to assist new First State farmers and protect the environment. His work on this bill also led to the expansion of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which helps agricultural producers improve operations on their farms – all while protecting the land, as well as air and water quality.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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