· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The Trump administration is reviewing over $400 million in climate-related USDA conservation projects, with many facing potential termination
• These projects, funded under Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), supported farmers in sustainable land practices labeled as “climate-smart.”
• Farmers who framed their initiatives using climate terminology to secure funding now risk losing promised support
🔭 The context: For decades, USDA conservation programs have funded efforts to improve soil health, prevent erosion, and reduce pollution
• Under Biden, many of these traditional farming techniques were rebranded as “climate-smart” to align with federal priorities, making them vulnerable under Trump’s policy shifts
• Internal USDA documents reveal efforts to strip climate-related terms and assess programs for cuts
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Many of the flagged programs contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil resilience, and preventing agricultural runoff pollution
• Without federal support, farmers may abandon these practices, potentially increasing environmental degradation
• Experts warn that rolling back conservation efforts could have long-term climate and economic consequences
⏭️ What's next: The USDA continues its review, with some projects already frozen or terminated, particularly those linked to diversity and equity initiatives
• Farmers affected by the funding freeze remain in limbo, with many working without pay in hopes of future reimbursement
• The fate of remaining farm aid programs depends on whether Trump’s administration prioritizes conservation efforts beyond direct financial benefits to farmers
💬 One quote: “Now you put these big names to it and it becomes the enemy… I don’t understand why farmers are being made into the enemy of America.” – Carolyn Jones, Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance
📈 One stat: About 40% of U.S. cattle ranchers already practice rotational grazing, a key conservation technique at risk of losing funding
Click for more news covering the latest on climate change and sustainable agriculture
