Investing in agriculture is a climate solution

Dear Friend,

New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers, whose livelihoods depend on the health of our land and water, are on the frontlines of the climate crisis and know all too well the effects that extreme weather events can have on their operations. Last week, I toured Chispas Farm, a four-acre community-focused farm in Albuquerque’s South Valley, to discuss how investing in agriculture resilience can be one of our most important climate solutions.

PHOTO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich tours with Chispas Farm in Albuquerque’s South Valley with manager Casey Holland, June 4, 2021.

Earlier this year, I was proud to join Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, an organic farmer, to introduce the Agriculture Resilience Act. Our legislation sets a roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions from agriculture by 2040 and empowers farmers with the tools and resources needed to improve soil health, sequester carbon, reduce emissions, enhance their resilience, and tap into new market opportunities.

Last month, I led 30 of my colleagues in sending a letter to House and Senate leadership calling for a historic $200 billion investment in farmers, ranchers, and rural communities as part of the American Jobs Plan, the infrastructure and climate change legislation that is currently under negotiation in Washington.

Our farmers and ranchers need to have a seat at the table as we create solutions to the climate crisis. You can count on me to keep working to protect our precious land and water resources and fight for community-driven, science-based climate solutions.

Sincerely,

MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator