Send this Letter Campaign to your members of Congress to support regenerative agricultural climate-smart practices and policies for the next Farm Bill.

We are writing to urge immediate action on the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA S.1251). This bipartisan legislation, signed into law on December 30, 2022, provides a path for American farmers, ranchers and foresters to access voluntary carbon markets. It represents a no-cost opportunity to support the vital ecosystem services these producers provide, such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement, and watershed restoration.

The GCSA authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program. This program is intended to ensure that farmers have clear, reliable standards and assistance to verify carbon credits for market participation. However, despite the clear mandate of the law, implementation remains delayed within the USDA.

This delay has implications not only for farmers and landowners seeking to generate supplemental income but also for the health and resilience of our nation’s soils, water resources and food systems. The GCSA aligns with market-friendly principles by enabling private carbon markets minimizing government intervention while fostering public-private partnerships to support regenerative practices at scale.