Four ways to reduce emissions from food and farming

Food and farming is a large – and growing – source of greenhouse gas emissions.

As officials gather for a global climate change conference, here are four steps the Biden administration can take to reduce the emissions caused by food and farming.

Protect climate-smart spending. While the Biden administration has touted the benefits of the climate-smart spending in the Inflation Reduction Act, it has so far failed to say whether the president would veto a farm bill that would divert climate-smart spending to increase farm subsidies, as some Republicans have proposed. The vast majority of farm programs – including subsidy, conservation and anti-hunger programs – will continue whether or not there is a new farm bill. The president should make clear that no farm bill is better than one that cuts climate-smart spending.
Ensure that more conservation spending is climate-smart. Despite a new commitment to reducing emissions, too much Department of Agriculture conservation spending still flows to practices that do nothing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In some cases, conservation spending goes to practices that actually increase emissions. And too much of the “climate smart” spending provided by the Inflation Reduction Act flows to practices that may not actually reduce emissions, despite USDA claims to the contrary.
Provide consumers more climate-smart choices. Investing in plant-based options and expanding plant-based choices in federal dining facilities, as Biden pledged – would help consumers occasionally choose a healthier alternative that is also healthier for the planet. Investing in plant-based options would also support the farmers and rural workers who have made the U.S. the world’s plant-based leader.
End misleading climate claims on food. Consumers are looking for ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their food choices. But misleading food claims make it impossible for consumers to ensure their food choices reflect their values. The Biden administration should reject these misleading claims, especially “climate friendly” claims about beef, which is always the worst choice for the climate.