USDA secretary unveils climate change plan during Jefferson City visit

The nation’s agriculture secretary traveled to Jefferson City on Monday to announce a $1-billion federal program aimed at combating climate change and strengthening rural communities.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says this will open new revenue streams for America’s climate-smart farmers, ranchers and forest landowners.

“It’s why I’m here today to say that we are now in a position at the USDA to begin accepting project applications for this new climate-smart commodity opportunity,” Vilsack says.

Secretary Vilsack says state governments, city and county governments and small businesses can apply, along with other public and private entities.

“It’s designed specifically to expand markets for U.S. agricultural products and forestry products through voluntary deployment of conservation practices that will lead to the production of these climate-smart commodities,” says Vilsack.

Federally-recognized Native American tribal governments can also apply, along with public and private higher education institutions.

Lincoln University President John Mosley joined Secretary Vilsack in Jefferson City.