News Archives

USSA Newsletter: December 2024

We report from November’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), where Secretary Vilsack highlighted four years of historic investments and climate-smart progress, including almost $40 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funding. We also feature an exclusive article from the Leather & Hide Council of America’s Kevin Latner, discussing leather’s role as a climate solution in line with a new Leather Manifesto.

Climate-Smart Project Revitalizes Puerto Rican Coffee Industry

Even your morning coffee can be sustainable thanks to USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative, which aims to expand markets for commodities produced using climate-smart practices. One of the 135+ projects benefitting from this innovative program can be found in the mountains of Puerto Rico.

Congratulations to Field to Market’s Farmer of the Year!

Tennessee cotton grower Bob Walker was named Farmer of the Year at Field to Market’s 2024 Sustainable Leadership Awards for his outstanding conservation efforts and leadership in advancing sustainable agriculture

Secretary Vilsack Highlights Historic Investments and Climate Progress at COP29

At the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the advances made under the Biden-Harris Administration to position U.S. agriculture and forestry as climate leaders, develop climate solutions, and build climate-smart markets that help rural communities thrive.

U.S. / UAE Initiative Secures $29.2 Billion Investment for Agricultural Innovation

The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), a joint initiative by the United States and the United Arab Emirates to address climate change and global hunger, celebrated $29.2 billion of investment at COP29.

U.S. Investment in Clean Energy Projects Tops $2.7 Billion

In a major boost for America’s rural economies, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has announced funding of more than $250 million for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in nearly every state.

Sievers Family Farms Turns Farm Waste into Fuel and Fertilizer

Sievers Family Farms in Iowa is one of a growing number of farms using manure-based anaerobic digesters. These digesters convert farm waste into valuable products, such as renewable natural gas and fertilizer, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

USSA Newsletter: October 2024

In this issue, we share the findings of the 2024 Global Agricultural Productivity Report (The GAP Report) by Virginia Tech. The report warns of sluggish productivity growth, highlighting the urgent need to bridge the gap between technology development and farmer adoption.

Record $7.7 Billion Allocated for Climate-Smart Agriculture

In response to shifting weather patterns and more severe extreme weather events, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is stepping up its efforts to help American producers fight climate change.

EU Officials Inspired by Climate Smart Agriculture Mission to the U.S.

In mid-October, the U.S. Sustainability Alliance (USSA) hosted three European Union (EU) officials for a Climate Smart Agriculture mission to the United States. The mission aimed to enhance understanding of U.S. conservation programs and highlight U.S. leadership in agricultural sustainability.

U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Celebrates Environmental Progress and Record Growth

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol (Trust Protocol), a voluntary program for responsibly grown cotton, reached new heights in 2023-2024, with record grower participation and significant strides in environmental stewardship.

USLGE Brings Benefits of U.S. Hereford Genetics to the UK

In early October 2024, representatives from the Nebraska and Missouri Departments of Agriculture and Hereford breeders from both states visited the UK with U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE), a […]