One step forward, two steps back for conservation

IRA freeze and DOGE cuts limit farmer access to popular conservation programs. The on-farm conservation programs EQIP and CSP provide vital support for farmers to increase resilience and improve environmental outcomes on their farms. But following federal cuts to USDA funding and staffing, program acceptance rates dropped off steeply in fiscal year 2025. Learn more in our latest report.

IATP Europe comments on use of international carbon credits to meet EU 2040 climate target

In April, IATP Europe submitted feedback to the European Commission on the plan introduced by the Commission in December 2025 to apply international carbon credits toward the EU's 2040 climate target. The Commission is currently in the process of building a legislative framework for the purchase of international credits, which is expected to be published by the end of this year.

IATP Europe gives feedback on the EU Livestock Strategy

In April, IATP Europe submitted feedback on the European Union's upcoming Livestock Strategy, outlining the changes needed to support Europe's farmers, farm workers, and rural communities in a fair, just transition to climate neutrality.

IATP Europe gives feedback on EU framework for national 2040 climate targets

This month, IATP Europe submitted feedback on the European Union's framework for its 2040 national climate targets, encouraging the European Commission to build an agriculture-specific greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target and support policy frameworks that help farmers and consumers transition away from high-emitting industrial livestock systems.

IATP comments on the proposed West River Dairy Expansion

The West River Dairy, owned by Riverview Dairy LLP, is proposing to more than double its size to 18,885 cattle. If approved, the expansion would make it the largest dairy in the state by far. The site in western Minnesota is located within the Pomme de Terre River Watershed.

IATP Europe gives feedback on the EU energy and climate Governance Regulation

IATP Europe submitted the following comment on March 19, 2026 to the European Commission on the EU’s Regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, giving feedback on the strategic planning and monitoring needed to to reduce emissions in the agriculture sector and ensure its effective contribution to reaching the EU's 2040 climate targets and beyond.

IATP comments on Right to Seeds for UNHRC Working Group on Peasants

IATP submitted the following comments on February 19 to the U.N. Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Peasants, in response to a call for submissions to clarify the content and scope of the Right to Seeds for a report that will be presented to the Human Rights Council in October 2026.

IATP responds to Supreme Court decision to strike down Trump’s tariffs

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy has released a statement from Karen Hansen-Kuhn, Director of Trade and International Strategies, in response to the Supreme Court decision to strike down President Trump’s tariffs enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA):

IATP Europe gives feedback on carbon farming methodologies

IATP Europe submitted the following feedback on February 19, 2026, to the European Commission regarding the Commission's proposed methodologies for certifying carbon removals and soil emission reductions for the implementation of the Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming Regulation (CRCF), generating agricultural carbon credits.