You probably see and hear a lot about climate change — from TV news, documentaries, social media and your friends. But what are the real facts? Here are some common myths and facts about climate change that illustrate the essential role family farmers play as stewards of our soil, water and climate. Myth Agriculture is the chief cause of climate change. Fact Agricultural greenhouse gas (GhG) emissions (10% of U.S. GhGs) are modest compared with those from the electricity (25%), transportation (28%) and industrial (23%) sectors. Nonetheless, agriculture’s contribution to climate change is substantial.[1] We will not be able to achieve our mitigation goals unless agricultural emissions sharply decline. Fortunately, agriculture can be a major part of the climate solution, and in the process improve rural communities, the health of our soil and water, and the lives of those who work on farms and ranches. Industrial agriculture is a large contributor to GhG emissions around the world, but family farmers have tremendous capacity to not just decrease emissions but to actually sequester carbon dioxide in the soil with climate resilient agricultural practices like organic production, cover crops, rotational grazing, agroforestry and more. These and other innovations mean family farmers and … Continue reading Farmers and Climate Change: Myths vs. Facts