WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Monday the termination of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, a Biden-era initiative aimed at promoting sustainable farming through federal grants.
In a statement released April 14, Rollins cited high administrative costs and a lack of direct support for farmers as reasons for scrapping the program. A detailed review reportedly showed that many of the partnerships sent less than half of the awarded federal funding directly to producers.
“Many of the USDA partnerships are overburdened by red tape, have ambiguous goals, and require complex reporting that push farmers onto the sidelines,” said Rollins. “We are correcting these mistakes and redirecting our efforts to set our farmers up for an unprecedented era of prosperity.”
It is the latest move from the federal government that will likely effect farmers on Delmarva. Earlier this month, Delaware Rep. Sarah McBride (D) announced a bi-partisan bill which increases money sent to farmers dealing with diseases like the avian flu.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will replace the canceled program with the new Advancing Markets for Producers initiative. AMP will align with what the department calls “Farmer First” priorities, which require that:
At least 65 percent of federal funds must be allocated to producers;
Grant recipients must have enrolled at least one producer by Dec. 31, 2024;
Grant recipients must have made at least one payment to a producer by the same date.
While most PCSC projects will be discontinued, select partnerships may continue if they meet the new requirements.
The USDA says this shift aims to streamline reporting requirements, reduce bureaucratic burden, and ensure the majority of funding benefits those directly working the land.
