Farmers and ranchers have expressed skepticism about a forthcoming push for climate change proposals, and their views were echoed in a Senate Ag Committee hearing Thursday on the climate situation. Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member John Boozman, R-Ark., noted his concerns that carbon credits will not benefit farmers significantly or broadly enough.
“This may be a potential income stream for some producers, which is a good thing. But for others it could be cost prohibitive,” he said. Boozman stressed anxiety that Democrats would use the budget reconciliation process to pass a climate bill backed by President Joe Biden and Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., with minimal or no Republican support.
Boozman highlighted how chicken, beef, dairy and rice industries have increased production with a significantly reduced environmental impact over recent decades. He noted how “exciting new opportunities to compensate farmers and foresters for these environmental gains hold promise,” but he cautioned there are complex barriers that must be eliminated in this uncertain marketplace.
“There are costs associated with verification, validation, technical services, new technologies and equipment, and often times costs associated with reduced yields. These costs add up and can become prohibitive. For this new opportunity to be viable for producers and forest owners, the benefits must outweigh the risks and costs they take on,” he said.
The American Farm Bureau Federation said it would not support a partisan climate bill.