Money from the federal government’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act is supporting what’s known as climate-smart agricultural investments.
The IRA provides farmers with $20 billion for expanding existing conservation programs. There’s another $14 billion supporting rural communities with clean energy development.
“These climate-smart investments will support our farmers, their livelihood, their families. It’ll help lower energy bills and spur our state’s clean energy economy while improving our climate resiliency.”
Democratic State Representative Phillip Skaggs serves West Michigan’s 80th District. He pointed out agriculture is Michigan’s second largest economic sector. In West Michigan, ag generates $30 billion dollars annually.
“It will allow farmers to implement smart agricultural practices that build soil health, sequester carbon, cut climate pollution and keep our ground water and our surface water healthy and clean.”
Climate Action Campaign, a coalition of climate, conservation & environmental allies working to protect clean air & tackle the climate crisis organized the virtual news conference.
U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten, a Grand Rapids Democrat serving Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District said roundtable conversations with farmers, environmental groups and industry leaders will prioritize initiatives in the upcoming Farm Bill.
