Our current food system accounts for 25 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Not only can we drastically reduce on-farm emissions, farmers have the potential to actually sequester 10 percent of all human-caused emissions in the soil. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are the industries most vulnerable to climate change. We need to incentivize farming systems that help farmers both mitigate climate change and build resilience to its impacts.
Agriculture has a huge potential to sequester carbon. We need to employ farms of all sizes and production models to transition to ecologically regenerative practices to combat climate change. According to research at the Rodale Institute, agriculture could sequester 37 gigatons of carbon annually worldwide. Sadly, just 10 percent of farmers receive 75 percent of agricultural subsidies in the U.S., and those subsidies don’t prioritize carbon sequestration or soil health. We need to start by supporting all farmers not just a wealthy few and incentivizing conservation not over-production.
As president, Bernie will:

1. Incentivize farmers to develop ecologically regenerative farming systems that sharply reduce emissions; sequester carbon; and heal our soils, forests, and prairie lands.
2. Invest in family farms and rural communities — not corporate ownership.
3. Re-establish and strengthen the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.
4. Invest in historically underserved communities to grow the number of farmers of color.
5. Connect consumers with local farms and healthy foods.

Source: Bernie Sanders

Incentivize farmers to develop ecologically regenerative farming systems – BS

Invest in family farms and rural communities — not corporate ownership – BS

Re-establish and strengthen the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration – BS

Empowering Farmers, Foresters & Ranchers to Address Climate Change and Protect Ecosystems – BS

Connect consumers with local farms and healthy foods – BS

The Green New Deal – Bernie Sanders