Congress: Subsidize Climate-Safe Food in Farm Bill

U.S. meat production significantly contributes to climate change, driven by emissions associated with livestock farming and destruction of natural habitat. The process of raising animals for meat—particularly cattle—generates large quantities of methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Additionally, meat production requires enormous amounts of land, water, and feed, often leading to deforestation and habitat loss, which further increases carbon emissions and contributes to the biodiversity crisis. 

Congress must use the upcoming Farm Bill to support healthier, climate-conscious food choices by subsidizing fruits, vegetables, legumes, and other plant-based foods that have a lower impact on our planet than traditional meat and dairy products. Currently, U.S. agricultural subsidies heavily favor meat and dairy industries, while research shows that these products have some of the highest greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to climate change and posing risks to both environmental and public health.

The science is clear: prioritizing a food system that reduces our dependence on animal products would not only lower greenhouse gas emissions but would also address the rising rates of chronic diseases linked to diets heavy in ultra-processed and animal-based foods. This shift is essential for a future in which healthy, affordable food options are available to all communities, while mitigating the climate crisis. Under the Farm Bill that expires this year, healthier and climate-friendly foods are left out and are often more expensive than highly processed or environmentally taxing products, despite their numerous benefits.

Add your name to call on Congress to:

Redirect subsidies to climate-friendly, healthy foods: Ensure that government subsidies prioritize foods with lower carbon footprints that support human health, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes.

Expand accessibility and address food deserts: Make plant-based and minimally processed foods more affordable and accessible to all communities, addressing both health and environmental justice. People living in food deserts often have access to ultra-processed foods but lack availability of fresh fruits and produce.

Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Support farmers transitioning to climate-friendly, sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment, public health, and the economy. By rewarding agriculture that benefits people and the planet, communities that rely on agricultural jobs can continue to thrive while addressing climate impacts and healthy diets.

The expiration of the current Farm Bill at the end of the year gives Congress–and each of us– a unique opportunity to shape new policies that address climate change and provide everyone with healthy food choices. 

Please add your name to tell Congress to use the upcoming Farm Bill to reshape subsidies to align with our climate and health goals by redirecting its focus away from meat and dairy production and  to foods that are good for people and have much lower climate impacts.