Just before leaving for the G-20 Summit in Italy this week, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack told leaders from around the globe that agriculture will lead the way in creating climate solutions.
Vilsack made his remarks at the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). He called for a bold agenda, but one that would require a coordinated effort and renewed commitment.
“The climate crisis is an urgent threat disrupting the lives of many, but I believe the agriculture sector can -- and must -- lead on climate action and solutions,” he said. “In April, President Biden convened a Leaders Summit on Climate to rally the world in tackling the climate crisis. The United States announced a new target of 50% to 52% reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide greenhouse gas pollution by 2030.”
Vilsack said not only does the U.S. intend to double the amount of money it gives to developing countries to help address climate issues, he notes USDA will take a leading role in tackling some of the issues the Biden administration wants to address.
“My department plans to invest more than $1 billion in conservation, science and research, and rural development,” he said.
Vilsack also urged FAO attendees to work on laying the ground work for what he called shared goals of ending hunger and improving food security.
“Just after this conference, we look forward to the G-20 Summit convened by our Italian hosts, as well as the Food Systems Summit and pre-Summit, the COP 26, and the Nutrition for Growth Summit. The United States will show leadership at each of these events through concrete commitments in partnership with other stakeholders. We will use our commitments to address the global hunger crisis and advance social, economic, and environmental sustainability throughout the world.”
As Vilsack addressed the future, he said farmer-led solutions will be key, and encouraged leaders to be open to the “next big ideas.”
“Because if we don’t improve life and economic viability for farmers, the future of food security will only become more unpredictable and more unstable,” he said.
