By Scout Nelson
A new statewide initiative is providing Minnesota farmers with the tools and resources to adopt climate smart agricultural practices aimed at cutting pollution and building sustainable food systems.
The effort, supported by a $200 million award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will help producers implement soil friendly and emission reducing strategies that ensure a healthier environment and more resilient farms.
The Climate Smart Food Systems (CSFS) initiative focuses on strengthening the entire food supply chain—from production to processing—while reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), in collaboration with other state agencies, local governments, and Tribal Nations, will distribute funds through multiple programs over the next five years.
MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler emphasized the importance of these efforts, noting that farms are at the heart of food production and play a vital role in reducing climate pollution.
The initiative encourages practices that enrich soil, conserve resources, and improve food quality, showcasing agriculture’s critical role in environmental sustainability.
One of the major programs benefiting from this funding is the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification (MAWQC) program. This voluntary program certifies farms that adopt conservation practices such as efficient fertilizer use, crop diversification, and improved land management. Since 2014, more than 1.2 million acres have been certified, with nearly 1,700 producers enrolled.
These practices have collectively reduced over 58,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually — equivalent to removing about 13,750 cars from the road.
The new funding will expand MAWQC’s reach by combining financial support with one-on-one technical assistance, helping more farmers embrace sustainable methods and secure the long-term productivity of Minnesota’s farmlands.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Minnesota, Energy, Sustainable Agriculture, Weather