Undersecretary Robert Bonnie & Secretary Karen Ross on Sustainable Animal Agriculture

Summary

The discussion centers around the challenges and opportunities of addressing sustainability in agriculture, particularly regarding methane emissions. Key points include the importance of incentives, data, and partnerships between government, private sectors, and scientific communities. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency, the role of innovation, and the global effort to find effective solutions. There is also a focus on overcoming skepticism, ensuring that new technologies are viable and beneficial for both farmers and the environment, while exploring lessons from international collaborations in countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

Takeaways

• 😀 Farmers and ranchers face skepticism about climate policies, but the focus is shifting towards economic incentives and market-driven solutions to prove sustainability can be economically viable.
• 😀 Measurement and data collection are critical for improving agricultural practices, helping farmers optimize operations, and ensuring that climate-related claims are backed by evidence.
• 😀 Trust is essential in addressing skepticism around sustainability and methane reduction efforts, and transparency in data and results is key to building that trust.
• 😀 Collaboration between government, universities, and the private sector is vital for addressing methane emissions and advancing climate-smart practices.
• 😀 Government transparency is crucial in building public trust, including acknowledging both successes and challenges in climate-related programs.
• 😀 It’s important to involve all sectors of the supply chain, from farmers to consumers, to avoid leaving out key stakeholders and ensure broad participation in sustainability efforts.
• 😀 Mistrust surrounding government partnerships with the private sector can be addressed by demonstrating transparency and showing the value of collaboration for the greater good.
• 😀 Additional investment is needed to accelerate methane reduction, including supporting dairy digesters, alternative manure management practices, and innovative solutions like feed additives and improved cow genetics.
• 😀 Hydrogen from dairy methane and sustainable aviation fuel present promising opportunities, but further investment and regulatory support are needed to make these technologies viable.
• 😀 Learning from international approaches, especially from Europe and New Zealand, can provide insights into methane reduction strategies and the importance of global collaboration in addressing climate challenges.

Q & A

What are the major barriers to addressing sustainability on farms and the methane issue in the United States?

The major barriers include skepticism about climate policy, especially among farmers and ranchers. There's also a challenge in convincing people that sustainable practices can be economically viable while ensuring they also contribute positively to the climate. The tight margins in commodity farming and the need for proper incentives are crucial factors in overcoming these barriers.

Why is measurement considered important in addressing sustainability and methane issues in farming?

Measurement is important because it provides data that can help improve farming operations. Having consistent and harmonized data on sustainability helps build trust with farmers, ranchers, and stakeholders. It ensures that the right actions are taken and shows that sustainable practices can yield both environmental and economic benefits.

How can skepticism about climate policies, especially in rural areas, be addressed?

To address skepticism, it's vital to focus on creating a conversation around shared goals and outcomes. Providing clear, real-life data from the farm, showing tangible economic and environmental benefits, can help build trust. Engaging community organizations and local scientists is also key to bridging the gap in understanding.

What role does transparency play in mitigating skepticism about climate policies and data?

Transparency plays a crucial role by showing the real impacts of policies, both positive and negative. It’s important to communicate not only the successes but also the challenges faced. Being open about failures allows for trust-building and shows a genuine commitment to addressing the climate issues.

How can collaboration between the government and private sector help drive innovation in addressing methane emissions?

Collaboration between the government and private sector is essential because both parties bring different strengths. The government can set standards, provide incentives, and create a regulatory framework, while the private sector can drive innovation and investments. Partnerships with trusted research organizations are also vital to gain credibility and achieve meaningful progress.

What are the challenges with methane emissions in dairy production, and how can they be addressed?

The challenges include skepticism around certain solutions, such as dairy digesters, and concerns about regulatory interventions. Solutions to address methane emissions in dairy production include investing in alternative manure management practices, feed additives, and improving cow genetics. Continued investment in these areas, along with transparent reporting, is key to progress.

What role do tax credits play in advancing methane reduction technologies, and what challenges do they face?

Tax credits can help advance methane reduction technologies by providing incentives for investments in areas like hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels. However, challenges include concerns over the potential release of carbon dioxide in the hydrogen production process and ensuring that the benefits of these technologies are widely recognized, both for the agricultural sector and rural communities.

How are international partnerships and collaborations influencing the development of methane reduction strategies?

International partnerships, particularly with countries like the Netherlands and Denmark, are influencing methane reduction strategies by providing valuable insights into smaller-scale solutions for livestock farms. These countries have focused heavily on livestock methane due to the role of animal protein in their diets. Learning from their experiences with feed additives and policy frameworks can help shape U.S. efforts.

What role do universities and independent organizations play in addressing methane emissions and climate change on farms?

Universities and independent organizations are crucial in providing unbiased research, developing new technologies, and engaging communities. Their role in ensuring that data is accurate and trusted, as well as in helping farmers and ranchers make informed decisions, is essential. They also offer credibility in partnerships with the government and private sector.

How can the broader agricultural community be engaged in addressing climate change, beyond just farmers and ranchers?

Engaging the broader agricultural community involves considering all stakeholders in the supply chain, from farm workers to consumers. It’s important to expand the conversation to include everyone involved in the production process, creating transparency and broadening the engagement to include workers in processing plants and consumers.