Reports

Who sets the science? Competing visions for food, farm and climate

The turmoil that has marked the last few years of pandemic and war and the consequent shocks to people’s lives and livelihoods require new approaches to agriculture that plan for disruptions and build in resilience.

True or False? Evaluating solutions for agriculture and climate change

For decades, mainstream climate debates largely ignored agriculture. Now, thankfully, the climate community has woken up to the importance of agriculture and food systems in tackling climate change. This short paper challenges some of the most popular of these false solutions to the climate crisis.

Meeting the Methane Pledge: The U.S. can do more on agriculture

Introduction

Lessons for the EU’s carbon farming plans

As Europe considers a carbon removal framework that includes so-called “carbon farming” from the agriculture sector to meet its net zero goal by 2050, the U.S. experience with agriculture carbon offset credits should raise questions about whether such an approach is desirable or feasible. Agriculture carbon markets have floundered in the U.S.

World’s largest meat company, JBS, increases emissions in five years despite 2040 net zero climate target, continues to greenwash its huge climate footprint

Payments for Pollution: How federal conservation programs can better benefit farmers and the environment

Emissions Impossible Europe

Executive Summary At a time when governments must dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, global meat and dairy giants in Europe are increasing emissions by ramping up production and exports.

Forever Chemicals and Agriculture Case Study

Introduction 

New research shows 50 year binge on chemical fertilisers must end to address the climate crisis

The rising costs of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilisers, triggered by a spike in natural gas prices, has governments panicking about a catastrophic global food crisis. At the same time, new research shows that synthetic N fertilisers are a major driver of the climate crisis, responsible for 1 out every 40 tonnes of GHGs currently pumped into the atmosphere.

Closed out: How U.S. farmers are denied access to conservation programs

According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), between 2010 and 2020, just 31% of farmers who applied to the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and only 42% of farmers who applied to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) were awarded contracts. Overall, EQIP turned down 946,459 contracts and CSP denied 146,425 contracts, at least partially for lack of funds.