Dive Brief:
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is partnering with agricultural producers to incentivize the reduction of greenhouse emissions.
- According to a press release, "The new initiatives will utilize voluntary, incentive-based conservation, forestry, and energy programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration and expand renewable energy production in the agricultural and forestry sectors."
- The USDA also announced that the National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded three grants, totaling nearly $3 million, for research institutions that are focusing their efforts on food security through mitigating the death of livestock due to insects and diseases.
Dive Insight:
The USDA has been taking several steps to pursue similar initiatives. The agency has targeted food waste and security via a new app that helps consumers determine whether food is still safe to eat.
Working toward food security amid bird flu outbreaks across the country, it has promoted biosecurity and is also developing a vaccine for poultry, though that vaccine has been met with some controversy. Food security is always a top priority for the agency, so financially supporting this type of research doesn't come as a surprise.