News
IFB President outlines climate change priorities for 2021
With the Biden Administration expected to prioritize climate change issues In 2021, Illinois Farm Bureau is preparing to do the same.
During his address to members at the virtual Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Saturday, President Richard Guebert said they will position farmers to benefit economically in climate change debates.
“Farm Bureau policy states that we will oppose any regulation that will unfairly impact US agriculture and the US economy.”
But, Guebert says their strategy is not solely defensive as they plan to play a role in creating positive change.
“IFB continues to explore ideas related to carbon storage in the soil through soil health improvement practices, carbon trading and payments for ecosystem services.”
During the business session, delegates also reiterated prioritizing crop protection services and practicing good stewardship with those products.
IFB and allied Farm Bureaus should lay out pragmatic steps for farmers to promote carbon storage in soil, such as no-till farming, cover crops, more effective use of sensor technology, and soil improvement through bio-char and other methods. All of these “best practices” are currently available and rates of adoption can be increased dramatically through Bureau-sponsored education and training programs.