RIPE tracks the Congressional policy landscape and is focused on developing key relationships with policymakers to help them create policy that works for farmers. Here are the latest insights.
RIPE to pursue farm bill without competing against existing safety net programs
RIPE’s Steering Committee has advised staff to advance the RIPE100 policy architecture as part of the 2023 Farm Bill authorization. A core goal is to not compete with existing safety net programs. The program would be authorized within the farm bill, and the program’s main funding would come from new money for climate programs. We will engage our Steering Committee, Farmer Advisory Network and USDA consultants to flesh out a plan. Stay tuned for details soon on how you can help this critical campaign!
Leaders in both parties highlight principles key to RIPE100 in House Ag Committee hearing
On March 16, the House Agriculture Committee met to discuss the role of USDA programs in addressing climate change. Leaders of both parties emphasized principles that would be achieved through the unique RIPE100 policy, illustrating the bipartisan and practical potential of RIPE’s approach. Chair Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., emphasized the important role that producers have in addressing climate change, which he said would also improve their profitability. Ranking member Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., stressed that USDA funds used to address climate change should make their way to producers and not middlemen. To watch this hearing, click here.
RIPE advocating for pilot within 2023 budget appropriations
RIPE has submitted a budget appropriations request to several Senate and House offices urging them to fund a pilot in six states, and our staff and Steering Committee members are holding discussions with these offices. Congressional staff have been receptive to the proposal, but we still need to secure a congressional champion. If you are interested in engaging with your member of Congress to discuss the RIPE100 plan, contact RIPE Vice President Martin Barbre or Director of Government Relations Adam Pugh for support.
RIPE partners with 4 states, producer groups, technical experts on USDA pilot proposal
RIPE submitted a proposal to USDA’s Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities for $100 million to fund a RIPE100 pilot. The proposal would fund $100 per acre or animal unit direct payments to producers growing climate-smart commodities in Arkansas, Minnesota, North Dakota and Virginia. It was submitted in partnership with the following organizations:
State pilot leads - Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Division, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, North Dakota Farmers Union, and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Producer groups - Agricultural Council of Arkansas, Arkansas Rice Federation, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association, and the National Black Growers Council.
Technical experts and conveners - National Association of Conservation Districts, Supporters of Agricultural Research, Sustainable Food Lab, and the Environmental Initiative.
Thank you to all our partners on the application and to the dozens of producers who signed a letter in support of our pilot proposal! USDA should announce the recipients around July. Stay tuned!
