Vilsack sees farmers keeping climate on congressional agenda - Roll Call

Farmers’ interest will keep climate on the congressional agenda regardless of whether Republicans, who have said the issue is not a priority, win control of the House, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Monday.

In a call from Egypt, Vilsack said U.S. commodity and farm organizations are attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP27, to see what role agriculture can play in reducing world greenhouse gas emissions. The conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, began Nov. 6 and will end Friday. 

“What I have been most impressed with in all of this conversation about climate is the degree to which American farmers, ranchers and producers have been supportive. I would anticipate and expect that climate will continue to be a focus not because I want it or not because  any member of the House or Senate wants it, but most importantly because farmers, ranchers and producers recognize and appreciate the importance of it,” Vilsack said.