Sam Eathington’s Post

Trends to scale collective impact at the 2023 Sustainable Agriculture ... - Environmental Defense Fund Trends to scale collective impact at the 2023 Sustainable Agriculture ...  Environmental Defense Fund

The American Farmland Trust and Sierra View Solutions published a study on the adoption of agricultural carbon programs with some recommendations. Here's my hot take/recap: 👩🌾 Agriculture is a major contributor of GHG emissions in the US. It accounts for 9.4% of the country's emissions, which amounts to 598.1 million tonnes (MtCO2e) annually. 📈 There is significant potential to expand climate-smart practices through agricultural carbon programs. Yet, currently, less than 15% (132 million acres) of the 900 million farmland acres reported to the Farm Service Agency have participated in the largest USDA programs that incentivize practices with lower emissions. 💰 Economics are the main driving factor for producers and current prices are not yet attractive enough to drive adoption at scale. However, as more robust programs come about such as the USDA's Climate-Smart Commodities Partnerships program with $3 billion and The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) providing $19.5 billion for conservation programs over five years are creating new market opportunities for climate-smart commodities produced by farmers, ranchers, and forest owners. Also, demand by 70 of the top food and agriculture companies in the U.S. who have either committed or set science-based targets (according to the Science Based Targets initiative), including Cargill, PepsiCo, and General Mills is putting upward pressure on carbon prices. Finally, what we get excited about at Living Carbon are the opportunities to expand climate-smart ag practices with the following interventions identified by USDA-NRCS to reduce or avoid emissions of GHGs: (think of these as add-ons to cover crops and no-till, low-till) 🌳 Buffers, wetland, grassland management, and tree planting on working lands 🌳 Agroforestry and afforestation on working lands 🌳 Afforestation/reforestation and sustainable forest planting for high carbon sequestration rate 🌳 Increasing on-site carbon storage through Forest Stand Management Here's a link to paper: https://lnkd.in/gbE8v_Pq (It's well worth the read) 🙏 Robert Parkhurst, Michelle Perez, Lisa M., Rebecca Wright, Max DuBuisson, Margaret Henry, Amy Hughes, Chris Kopman, Ryan S., Walton Family Foundation

From conservation tillage to crop rotation, American farmers have long been pioneers in adopting methods that protect and enhance their land. This commitment to sustainable agriculture isn’t just a national story. It’s part of a global movement where farmers everywhere are pushing for innovations that support both environmental health and food security. We need to share knowledge, collaborate on solutions, and support sustainable practices worldwide. The journey towards a resilient and sustainable food system is a global endeavor, and every contribution counts. #Agriculture #Sustainability #SustainableAgriculture

The Environmental Defense Fund climate-smart agriculture team is looking forward to the upcoming 2023 Sustainable Agriculture Summit! Joining forces with farmers, industry experts and conservation organizations, we're set to explore the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in advancing agricultural sustainability.   This year saw unprecedented public and private investment in climate-smart agriculture, which will propel collective efforts into 2024. A significant focus this year is on agricultural finance, recognizing the pivotal role lenders and investors play in financing the transition to sustainable agriculture. I'm looking forward to moderating a panel that will delve into financial innovations driving sustainability in U.S. agriculture, showcasing successful collaborations with Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture and others on innovative finance.   Read my latest blog to learn more about future climate-smart agriculture trends: www.edf.org/Z6na #sustainable #agriculture #summit #sponsor #SustAg2023

Weather’s Impact on Investing in US Agriculture: Navigating the New Normal by Craig Wichner of Farmland LP Napa cabernet. Florida oranges. Georgia peaches. Washington apples. Why are crops so associated with places? As an investor, it's crucial to recognize the impact that weather and climate have on Ag. Weather patterns dictate the success or failure of crops, influence land management decisions, and shape the financial landscape for Ag investments. Understanding these interactions, and their changes, is critical to not only the farmer working the land, but those investing in it -- https://lnkd.in/g4Wfq_mu

🌍 At #CropLifeEurope, we believe in the power of bridging sustainability and agriculture. When asked how can agriculture be supported within the boundaries of our planet and its ecosystem – we had three things to say in reply to the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture: 1️⃣  Alignment is crucial. For sustainable agriculture within our planet's boundaries, the EU needs to align policies with global environmental objectives like the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Climate Change Convention, and Global Biodiversity Framework.  2️⃣  We support outcome-based policies. EU initiatives should foster an outcome-based framework, triggering innovative solutions and building sustainable partnerships throughout the agri-food chain.  3️⃣  Flexibility is key. Effective policies should capitalise on the diverse potential of European agriculture, offering farmers the flexibility to tailor their approach. We consider the various agricultural practices as complementary, and discourage the pursuit of prescriptive or one-size-fits-all models. 📑 Our full answer here:  https://lnkd.in/dYtxtnmY #sustainability #agriculture #agtech #EU #policy #strategicdialogue #farming #farmers

As the final Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) Recommendations are unveiled this week at #climateweeknyc, we’re glad to have played our part in piloting the framework with corporate partners during its beta phase. Today we’re excited to publish insights from our TNFD pilot with Corteva Agriscience, a NYSE-listed agriscience company specialising in seeds and crop protection products.  Keystone's software aided Corteva in assessing the impact of its seed business on nature, water, and biodiversity by implementing the TNFD framework on selected facilities. In an era where companies are increasingly focused on understanding the impacts of climate change and shifting ecosystems on their businesses, we are proud to be part of a movement catalysing nature-positive actions and disclosures. Read Corteva's blog post about this project: https://lnkd.in/dXZMx3qQ Read the TNFD case study: https://lnkd.in/dnspzWpp

At Corteva, we are at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability and productivity. Our participation in Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) piloting over the past year is one such initiative that underscores our commitment to thoughtful stewardship and responsible business practices. These pilots are not about adhering to external standards; it’s about proactively seeking insights that can inform better practices across the industry. Through these initiatives, we aim to align our efforts with our broader Biodiversity and Climate goals that benefit our shareholders, growers, and the communities we serve. Why is this approach important? Because it is consistent with our mission to provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs and long-term resilience of agriculture. Learn more about Corteva’s pilot of the TNFD with Keystone, our collective pilot of the TNFD with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and our peers, and read more about our sustainability efforts by visiting our Sustainability & ESG Report. https://lnkd.in/gKS4w5NJ #KeepGrowing #InItForGood #InnovateBoldly #NYClimateWeek

First blog I’ve written for Climate Reality, woot woot! If you’re interested in Regenerative Agriculture, go give it a read.

  Farming lies at the heart of global food production, ensuring that communities are well-fed and economies thrive. However, the challenges facing modern agriculture, such as climate change, resource depletion, and the need for sustainable practices, have prompted governments and organizations to extend a helping hand to farmers. #GeneralAgriculture