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One senator’s lonely quest to make the farm bill more sustainable

Summary

Former Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, a longtime advocate for sustainable agriculture, retired in 2024 after years of pushing for climate-friendly policies in the farm bill. She fought to secure funding for conservation programs, specialty crops, and climate-smart agriculture but faced significant opposition, particularly from Republicans resistant to climate-related measures. Despite her efforts, the 2018 farm bill remains in effect after a temporary extension, with no new bill passed. Stabenow's legacy includes expanding support for farmers' markets, urban agriculture, and conservation programs, but she warns that the new Congress may attempt to roll back environmental progress. Critics argue she did not do enough for commodity farmers, while supporters praise her for prioritizing sustainability and resilience in agriculture. As climate change increasingly impacts farmers, the debate over conservation funding and sustainable practices remains central to future farm bill negotiations.

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