Growers Edge participates in White House Roundtable on Financing Climate Smart Agriculture
Last Thursday, Growers Edge had the opportunity to be a part of a significant step for sustainable agriculture. As a member of the Agriculture Finance Sustainability Coalition, Growers Edge, represented by Elena Bell, Sustainability Business Development Director, joined EPA, USDA and White House representatives in a convening at the White House focused on opportunities to finance climate solutions in agriculture. We are grateful to partner with the Environmental Defense Fund, Climate United, Farm Credit Council, and other coalition members* to ensure farmers who are considering sustainable practice changes have the financial resources they need to do so while ensuring the long-term success of their operation.
Part of the conversation focused on how the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund could be used to mitigate financial challenges related to sustainable farming. Members of the coalition are working with Climate United, which was awarded nearly $7 billion in funding, to design financial solutions such as low-interest and flexible loans for farmers who adopt climate-smart practices and technologies.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting:
- The Role of Public-Private Collaboration: At the core of the discussion was how public and private entities can work together to finance and support climate-smart agriculture. The coalition seeks to design innovative financial solutions tailored to the needs of famers who adopt sustainable, climate-smart technologies.
- Prioritizing Agriculture in Climate Solutions: One of the key objectives of the meeting was ensuring that agriculture is front and center when it comes to accessing climate-related funding streams. The EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund represents an unprecedented opportunity for the agricultural sector to contribute to climate solutions.
- Addressing Farmers’ Financing Needs: Farmers need robust financial support as they shift to more sustainable methods of farming. A full toolbox approach—one that includes grants, flexible loans, and other financial incentives—is essential to support widespread adoption of climate-smart agriculture.
Moving Forward: Opportunities for Financing Climate-Smart Agriculture
The historic funding opportunities presented by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and USDA programs mark a new era in sustainable agriculture financing. Through public-private collaboration, we have the chance to design financial tools that are not only accessible but transformative for farmers across the nation.
By working together—public agencies, private companies, and nonprofit organizations—can drive the adoption of climate-smart practices and ensure that agriculture remains at the forefront of our climate solutions.
Together, we are committed to supporting farmers as they lead the way toward a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.
* Akiptan, Compeer Financial, Couser Cattle Company, Environmental Defense Fund, Farmers Business Network, Farm Credit Council, Farmer Mac, Growers Edge, Intertribal Agriculture Council, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Milk Producers Federation, Native Agriculture Financial Services, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund.