Climate-Smart Commodities

What are Climate-Smart Commodities?

In response to the climate crisis, the USDA is pursuing actions within the agriculture sector to support the production of climate-smart commodities. A “climate-smart commodity” is defined as an agricultural commodity that is produced using agricultural (farming, ranching, or forestry) practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon. Adoption of these practices can produce other associated environmental benefits. 

What are Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities?

The USDA is committed to supporting a diverse range of farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners through Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. This effort will expand markets for America’s climate-smart commodities, leverage the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodity production, and provide direct, meaningful benefits to production agriculture, including for small and underserved producers. Through Partnerships, USDA will support a set of pilot projects (e.g., ACRE) that provide voluntary incentives through partners to producers and landowners, including early adopters, to:

• Implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on working lands;

• Measure/quantify, monitor and verify the carbon and greenhouse gas benefits associated with those practices; and

• Develop markets and promote the resulting climate-smart commodities.

What are Climate-Smart Commodity Practices?

Projects will include practices, and/or practice enhancements that provide greenhouse gas benefits and/or carbon sequestration. ACRE’s practices include:

• Cover Crops (340)

• Nutrient Management (590)

• Pasture and Hay Planting (512)

• Soil Carbon Amendments (336)