State Leaders, Climate and Agriculture Advocates Promote Federal Investments in Colorado Farms and Rural Communities

Funds from the Inflation Reduction Act Support Climate Smart Agriculture

(BOULDER, CO) – Today, the Chair of the Colorado House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee State Rep. Karen McCormick, the Director of Government Relations with the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Tyler Garrett, City and County of Broomfield Councilmember Laurie Anderson and the Environmental Defense Fund’s Colorado State Director Jolon Clark, gathered for a press conference to showcase the Inflation Reduction Act’s historic federal investments in Colorado’s agricultural sector. Colorado’s farms and ranches contribute $47 billion annually to the state’s economy, employing over 195,000 individuals.

Thanks to President Biden’s leadership in passing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Colorado’s agricultural producers and rural communities will now have the resources to play an instrumental role in combating climate change while also enhancing their economic standing.

"Boulder County has always been at the forefront of climate smart agricultural efforts, and with these federal investments, we’re taking a giant leap forward," said Rep. McCormick, Chair of the House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee. "I deeply appreciate the vision and commitment shown by Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, as well as President Biden, in ensuring our agricultural communities have the necessary resources to partner in addressing climate change while also bolstering our local economy."

The groundbreaking law allocates nearly $40 billion for farms and rural regions throughout the nation. Approximately $19.5 billion of these funds are dedicated to strengthening existing agricultural conservation initiatives that promote environmentally-friendly practices such as low-till farming and heightened carbon sequestration. Furthermore, the IRA commits $14 billion to assist rural areas in investing in renewable energy and transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

"Colorado’s rich agricultural heritage is intertwined with our identity, and the impacts of climate change threaten not just our way of life, but also a key part of our state economy," said Clark. "These IRA investments are a testament to what federal and state leadership can achieve together. The funds will ensure our farmers continue to be leaders in sustainable practices while securing their economic future."

Speakers also urged federal leaders to not only reject efforts to scale back or redirect investments in climate, but to further expand them in order to reduce carbon pollution to levels scientists say are necessary to mitigate the worst effects of climate change.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs are underfunded and oversubscribed. Many farmers who value conservation need the assistance to make the transition to cleaner agricultural practices”, said Tyler Garrett. “With the additional funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the USDA can hold the door open wider, enabling more farmers to participate in conservation programs.”