By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a major $80 million grant to support climate-smart farming across four states. Led by Virginia Tech University, the program is part of the Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture and includes CIBO Technologies as its official technology partner.
The program pays farmers and ranchers for using practices like cover crops and crop rotation, helping them improve soil and water health. CIBO’s digital tools will be used to measure and verify the environmental results of these actions.
The project covers farms in Arkansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Virginia, creating new chances for farmers to earn more by selling sustainable goods to buyers such as food and energy companies.
This effort builds a new market for climate-smart commodities, letting farmers get paid for improving their land. It also shows how government, business, and education can work together to support both the economy and the environment.
With high costs and growing climate pressures, many farmers face tough choices. This program offers support by proving that stewardship practices can lead to better results both financially and environmentally.
Led by Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the alliance includes over 14 partners and aims to be a national model for sustainability.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National