Democrats have gained control of the Senate with a new Biden Administration coming in there will be more of a focus to addressing climate change. In relation to that, Senator Debbie Stabenow is set to become Senate Ag Committee Chair again and her top priority is establishing an agriculture carbon market. Center for Rural Affairs Policy Director Johnathan Hladik says that presents great opportunities for farmers.

Stabenow is also co-sponsoring a bill called the Growing Climate Solutions Act aimed at accelerating carbon credit trading and Hladik says CFRA supports that measure.

Hladik says farmers are already implementing environmentally friendly practices that enhance soil health and having a positive impact on the climate. He says they’ll follow whatever farm policy is established in that direction.

While Stabenow will push for an agriculture carbon market, the Top Republican on the Senate Ag Committee John Boozman of Arkansas has expressed concerns about ag carbon trading and fears it will mainly benefit credit traders.