Fifty years after the creation of National Agriculture Day, America’s farmers, ranchers and private forestland owners find themselves on the front lines of climate change. They are uniquely positioned to deliver solutions by implementing climate-smart practices that conserve natural resources, build healthier soils, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon.

National Agriculture Day is a day to recognize the best stewards of our land: America’s agricultural producers. They are not only providing food, forage and fiber for today, they are also growing a climate for tomorrow.

“On this 50th National Ag Day, we recognize the contributions of American farmers, farmworkers, ranchers, forest landowners, and all agricultural producers in providing our nation – and this world – with its food, fuel, and fiber,” USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said. ““At USDA, we remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding market opportunities, ensuring an agricultural economy that benefits the many and not just the few, and meeting the moment for the opportunities before us. As we look toward another year of agricultural leadership, innovation, and growth, let us shine a light on all that our agricultural and rural communities do for our great country.”

USDA is growing a climate for success for all people involved in farming, ranching and private forest land management. We are working to create an equitable and climate-smart food and agriculture economy built to support both rural and urban communities and empower producers who feed the world; improve the health, nutrition, and quality of life of all Americans; and yield healthy lands, forests, and clean water.

From crop insurance to farm loans, and from conservation to disaster assistance, USDA programs are helping producers conserve natural resources and keep families farming for future generations.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) represents the single largest investment in climate and clean energy solutions in American history. This is an historic, once-in-a-generation investment in the rural, suburban, and urban agricultural communities that USDA serves. We are committed to implementing the IRA quickly and effectively to give producers the tools and resources they need to keep their operations productive and resilient.

USDA can only succeed in its mission to help American agriculture thrive — and can only live up to President Lincoln’s description of it as the “People’s Department”— if it ensures that the Americans who need its services most receive them. Equity is vital in all we do at USDA. We ensure that our programs and investments are available to everyone and we ensure that underserved producers prosper because of our work.

USDA is working across its agencies to support urban producers to grow fresh produce, create jobs, beautify their neighborhoods, and increase access to fresh, healthy food in areas where grocery stores are scarce.

On National Agriculture Day and every day, USDA is committed to ensuring our programs and investments reach all producers, including underserved producers who haven’t always had the opportunity to benefit from the many resources USDA has to offer.