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A lawsuit challenging the Department of Agriculture’s plan to control a potential avian influenza outbreak can proceed, a federal judge ruled last week, rejecting the department’s motion to dismiss for lack of standing.

U.S. farmers, ranchers, foresters and food companies are leaning in on the climate policy debate more than ever before, even as many questions remain about how to achieve measurable and practical solutions that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan reiterated his “open-door” policy for agriculture as the agency develops regulations and policies, and said biofuels, “especially advanced biofuels,” will be part of the Biden administration’s transportation agenda as it tackles climate change.

Produce grown without soil can continue to be organically certified, a federal judge has ruled, deferring to USDA’s interpretation of the Organic Foods Production Act.

Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., when adjusted for productivity, are down by 24% over the past 30 years, but farmers can do better if Congress and the Biden administration amp up assistance, says American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John Newton.

A priority for the USDA in the coming years will be judging the feasibility of setting up, executing and paying for a federal carbon bank to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reward them for their actions, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Monday.

Congressional Democrats will use this week to build their case for two major priorities, a multi-trillion dollar climate and infrastructure package, and a child nutrition reauthorization bill that could be used to increase the number of kids getting free meals.

Farmers face a bewildering set of choices and requirements as new carbon payment plans and markets are proliferating.

The poultry industry is keeping a close eye on the future of litigation in Maryland that resulted last week in a court decision finding ammonia should be regulated as a water pollutant.

The Agriculture Department is looking for feedback on how to develop a climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy as part of its implementation of an executive order on reducing carbon emissions.