?Today?s a defining moment in agriculture,” declared Ethan Lane, vice president of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).
“Twenty-one agricultural groups representing the vast majority of American agriculture are standing together to talk about our environmental record,? added Lane.
All twenty-one agricultural groups makeup a new coalition, called Farmers for a Sustainable Future (FSF). Andrew Walmsley, senior director of congressional relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says Farmers for a Sustainable Future shows “United States agriculture is ready to have a seat at the table during discussions on sustainability and climate policy.”
?We want to be part of the discussion, whether that?s taking place in a ?C? Suite on Wall Street or on Capitol Hill,” Walmsley said. “It?s an opportunity for what we believe is a good story to tell about agriculture?s innovation and sustainability narrative, but also to be a resource for policymakers going forward.”
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documents show United States agriculture only accounts for nine-percent of greenhouse gas emissions. United States farmers and ranchers continue to increase their output, while keeping input levels relatively the same. Farmers for a Sustainable Future will boast on farmers’ advancements in sustainability, according to Walmsley
?We want to build on that strong foundation of sustainability and let policymakers know (about) the achievements we have made,” Walmsley said. “But we?re also looking for partners on what we can do to be better stewards, what policy options are out there for agriculture, where are challenges, but also our pitfalls – Things that policy would cause problems for farmers and ranchers.”
For more information about Farmers for a Sustainable Future, visit www.sustainablefarming.us.
