June 08, 2018

Wyden Secures Provision in Senate Farm Bill to Improve Soil Health, Address Climate Change

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced he secured a provision in the Senate Farm Bill released today to improve soil health, in a way that helps Oregon agriculture and addresses climate change.

Wyden’s provision would establish a pilot project managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote the use of advanced farming practices to capture carbon in soil. These practices improve soil health and crop resilience while lowering the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.

“It’s all too rare that an idea comes along that brings people of all political stripes enthusiastically together. I’m proud to have worked with farmers and conservationists on this provision to encourage low-carbon farming practices that will lead to better crops, healthier soil and a better future,” Wyden said. “My soil health provision in the Senate Farm Bill is a win-win for farmers and the environment.”

“Healthy soil is vital to our farmers and our environment,” said U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. “Senator Wyden’s leadership was critical in the 2018 Senate Farm Bill, which includes an innovative initiative to improve soil health and help our farmers be productive and profitable.”

The provision would require the USDA to study the effects of the pilot projects to determine their viability for broader application on farms across the country.

Wyden’s provision is supported by the American Coalition for Ethanol, Environmental Entrepreneurs, the National Corn Growers Association and the Natural Resources Defense Council.