Commissioner Amanda Beal Votes Yes to Endorse Climate Resiliency Policy Amendment at National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Annual Meeting

September 13, 2019

For more information contact: Jim Britt at: (207) 287-3156

Augusta, ME - This week, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) adopted a new climate policy during the organization's Annual Meeting in Albuquerque, NM. This policy encourages climate smart agriculture programs and initiatives at the federal level and confirms the necessity of adapting to protect and enhance our nation's natural resources, while also building resilient agricultural and food supply chains.

"Agriculture and our overall food system play an important role in climate change discussions. Passing this policy amendment, which was unanimously endorsed by the Northeastern Association (NEASDA) prior to the vote by the full NASDA membership, is about advocating for farmers across the country in a unified voice, many of whom are already practicing climate smart growing techniques," said Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal. "Now, more than ever, we must support farming communities by enabling them to access the tools and resources they need to enhance their role in both climate change mitigation and adaptation. I am excited to continue supporting these efforts taking place across the country and making sure Maine agriculture has a voice at the table."

Beal and fellow state Commissioners, Secretaries and Directors of departments of agriculture from throughout the U.S. also supported policy amendments aimed at reducing food waste, improving the pricing structure for dairy farmers, and encouraging the FDA to develop a regulatory framework for hemp production and CBD products derived from hemp. More on these action items can be found at www.nasda.org.

Excerpt: NASDA Agriculture, Resiliency and Climate Adaption policy amendment follows:

Many farmers and ranchers are already using climate smart strategies to reduce emissions, sequester carbon, and improve resiliency. Investing in research, incentive programs for voluntary practices and technical assistance will equip farmers and ranchers with additional options to protect and conserve natural resources through on-farm practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration, and adjust to a changing climate.

  • NASDA supports voluntary, incentive-based climate smart agricultural programs. These are programs designed to sustainably increase agricultural productivity and incomes; help farmers and ranchers build resiliency and climate adaptation; and, reduce and/or remove greenhouse gas emissions, where possible.
  • NASDA believes that advocacy and further outreach is needed to increase policy makers and consumers awareness of the environmentally sustainable on-farm work of farmers and ranchers and the risks of climate change to the agricultural industry and food security.
  • NASDA encourages the collaboration of governments, corporations and philanthropic communities with state departments of agriculture and local communities to further the establishment and expansion of voluntary, incentive-based climate smart agricultural programs.

The full policy amendment is available online.

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