Young’s bill connects farmers with climate, conservation practices

A bipartisan bill sponsored on March 21 by U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) would encourage more partnerships between land-grant universities and local farmers to increase the use of conservation and innovative, science-based climate practices.

“Hoosier farms feed our families and are integral to our supply chains,” Sen. Young said. “Every farmer faces unique decisions in their farm management, and pressure from the federal government to cut carbon emissions can place stress on the good work already underway.” 

Sen. Young introduced the Conservation and Innovative Climate Partnership Act of 2023, S. 900, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), to establish a competitive grant program under which the Secretary of Agriculture provides grants to land-grant colleges and universities to support agricultural producers in voluntarily adopting conservation and innovative climate practices, according to the text of the bill.

“My Conservation and Innovative Climate Partnership Act gives farmers access to the latest tools and research in order to be successful while keeping American soil productive and healthy,” said Sen. Young.

Specifically, S. 900 would provide $13 million in funding for four-year grants, with a maximum grant of $400,000; require land-grant institutions to partner with a nonprofit, state, or federal entity; and allow the partnership to conduct a variety of activities to support farming communities, including workshops, distribution of digital materials, and tests to measure the effectiveness of conservation and climate-smart practices, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Young’s staff.

“Strong farm programs that encourage sustainable conservation and climate practices help farmers maintain productive operations for generations to come,” said Sen. Smith. “They also help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. This bill will help connect farmers with the information and resources they need to adopt climate-smart practices.”

Purdue University, the Indiana Corn Growers Association, the Indiana Soybean Alliance, the Indiana Farm Bureau, and The Nature Conservancy support S. 900.