WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2014 -- USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack today said he welcomes the launch of the Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture, announced at the U.N. Climate Summit in New York.

"Farmers, ranchers and other producers in the U.S. and around the world are feeling the impact of climate change now,” Vilsack said in a news release. “They are experiencing production challenges from extended droughts, more severe flooding, stronger storms, and new pests and diseases.”

The new alliance, he said, “offers the opportunity to collaboratively share knowledge, make investments and develop policies that will empower all producers to adapt to climate change and to mitigate its consequences. Long term global food security depends on us acting together now."

The Alliance was scheduled to hold its first meeting Wednesday evening in New York to discuss possible initiatives and to outline a roadmap for the next year as well as working arrangements and a program of its work.

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