Dive Brief:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday said it would create a new office dedicated to improving collaboration with farmers when crafting climate policy.
- The Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs will strengthen coordination with stakeholders to help develop environmental regulations that ensure "a vibrant and productive agricultural system," according to a news release.
- The office will be led by Rod Snyder, who has served as EPA Administrator Michael Regan’s senior advisor for agriculture since October 2021. Previously, Snyder oversaw Field to Market, an initiative to advance sustainability in commodity crop farming.
Dive Insight:
Farmers have had a contentious history with the EPA and other land management agencies, with tensions at times spilling over into substantial protests or even violent standoffs with government officials.
The creation of a dedicated office to improve engagement could give the agriculture industry more of a voice at an agency that many farmers associate with government overreach.
“Farmers and ranchers are crucial partners as we work together to deliver clean air, clear water, and climate solutions, all while playing the critical role of ensuring an abundant fiber, fuel and food supply,” Regan said. “With the launch of this new office, we are ensuring agricultural and rural stakeholders will continue to have a seat at the table for many years to come.”
The new office is meant to be the "primary liaison" between federal policymakers and farm and rural communities. It will also increase coordination with a network of existing agriculture policy advisors located in EPA's regional offices across the country.
The office will also oversee the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee's newly created animal agriculture and water quality subcommittee. This will inform EPA's decision on a permitting program to reduce water pollutants from animal feeding operations.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said in a statement that the office "recognizes the important role farmers and ranchers play in preserving the natural resources they’ve been entrusted with."
“We look forward to working with Rod Snyder as he directs the new office, and we encourage him to collaborate with families in rural America to ensure their voices are heard and they are treated as partners," he said.
