U.S. soybean farmers are urging USDA to resume processing of payments to farmers and grant recipients under contracts made by USDA under the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Program (PCSC). Grant recipients have been notified recently that funds associated with the PCSC program have been paused while the new Trump administration reviews various grant programs.
“The American Soybean Association (ASA) and other agriculture groups think it is important for USDA to honor the contractual commitments made to farmers and recipient organizations who are administering these grants,” said Caleb Ragland, a Kentucky farmer and president of ASA. “Under the grants, farmers have implemented practices to make their operations more resilient and improve environmental outcomes. These projects are integral to the continued success of the agriculture industry by advancing efficiencies in our farming practices and tapping potential new markets while also improving environmental outcomes.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Ag Committee, and Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig, the leading Democrat on the House Ag Committee, joined colleagues in issuing a letter to USDA seeking clarification.
“Over the past week, farmers, ranchers, schools, and state governments have contacted our offices in search of clarity on programs, websites, offices, and activities impacted by these orders,” senators wrote. “Conflicting information from the administration has added to the uncertainty, costing those who depend on the Department time and money. The farmers, rural families, and businesses that depend on the Department need certainty to plan ahead for this growing season.”
Since the program’s inception in February 2022, USDA has invested $3.1 billion in 141 selected projects. PCSC provides funding to projects that implement resilient farming practices, measure and verify the resulting greenhouse gas benefits, and create market opportunities for climate-smart products. The outcomes of PCSC projects go beyond climate benefits: Over the course of several planting seasons, farmers can see improved soil quality and improvements to overall farming resiliency, which bolsters the productivity of U.S. soybean farmers well into the future.
