At a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on Wednesday, Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Moyer urged lawmakers to improve the regulatory environment for farmers so agricultural practices that improve soil health, enable American farming families to be more economically secure, and put the U.S. on a path to food independence are encouraged and supported by the federal government.
“Farmers and ranchers are the original environmentalists and have adopted proven conservation practices to encourage soil health and other environmental benefits,” said Committee Ranking Member Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.).
Moyer, who is a Pennsylvanian farmer with over 45 years of experience in the agricultural sector, recommended federal support for the regenerative organic agriculture model because of the system’s reliability, resiliency, and independence from foreign-produced commodities, like Russian-made synthetic fertilizer.
“If you’re looking for an agricultural method that increases farm profitability, is regenerative, better for the environment, and produces healthier food for Americans, then all you need to do is look under your feet. Regenerative organic agriculture, which prioritizes soil health, accomplishes all of that,” said Moyer. “It doesn’t matter what kind of tractor a farmer drives or what kind of crops they plant, all farms can benefit from regenerative organic practices.”
Moyer, a well-known American farming innovator and thought leader, conceptualized and popularized a Rodale Institute-invented tractor attachment called the “roller crimper.” It is a vital tool that has been adopted by conventional and organic farmers as it reduces soil erosion, improves soil health, and increases biodiversity.
“Regenerative agriculture can be incorporated into any farming operation and be far better for your bottom line,” said Rick Clark, an Indiana farmer who also provided expert testimony to the Committee. Clark is also the co-leader of Regenerate America, a coalition of farmers, landowners, nonprofits, companies, and people that advocate for regenerative agriculture.
“Our witnesses today provided us with valuable insight to help us better understand the conservation and economic benefits of soil health practices and how they may support various approaches to regenerative agriculture, in addition to the role that healthy soil can play in reduced climate risk,” said Committee Chairman David Scott (D-Ga.).
The hearing, titled “Soil Health Practices and Programs that Support Regenerative Agriculture,” focused on “existing practices and programs that support producers as they protect and improve the health of the soil.”
Click Here for a video of the hearing. Click Here for written testimony.
For more information on programs, initiatives, research, assistance available to farmers, and upcoming events, visit the Rodale Institute website. Like them on Facebook. Follow them on Twitter. Check out their YouTube Channel.
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[Posted: September 23, 2022] PA Environment Digest
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