Farming for Our Future: The Science, Law, and Policy of Climate-Neutral Agriculture (Environmental Law Institute)

Farming for Our Future examines the policies and legal reforms necessary to accelerate the adoption of practices that can make agriculture in the United States climate-neutral or better. These proven practices will also make our food system more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Agriculture’s contribution to climate change is substantial―much more so than official figures suggest―and we will not be able to achieve our overall mitigation goals unless agricultural emissions sharply decline. Fortunately, farms and ranches can be a major part of the climate solution, while protecting biodiversity, strengthening rural communities, and improving the lives of the workers who cultivate our crops and rear our animals. The importance of agricultural climate solutions can not be underestimated; it is a critical element both in ensuring our food security and limiting climate change. This book provides essential solutions to address the greatest crises of our time.

Book Reviews
“Every eater should read this to better understand why we must demand that policymakers reform a dated and ineffective agricultural system to one that meets the needs of all of society, today and in the future.”
―Ricardo J. Salvador, Director and Senior Scientist, Food & Environment Program, Union of Concerned Scientists

“Thoughtful and provocative, this well-written work provides a much-needed exploration of agricultural policy, practice, and climate change. It not only reveals the problems in agriculture that have contributed to our current climate crisis, but it also proposes positive alternatives for farmers and policymakers to become part of the climate solution.”
―Professor Susan Schneider, William H. Enfield Professor of Law & Director of the LL.M. Program in Agricultural & Food Law, University of Arkansas School of Law

“Lehner and Rosenberg lay out the details in a highly readable and succinct manner . . . . Their prescriptions form a well-drawn blueprint for the White House and USDA to follow and for Congress to adopt in the 2023 federal farm bill. Adoption of the book’s recommendations would put U.S. agriculture on a rapid path to decarbonization and resilience. Policymakers should pay heed!”
―Ferd Hoefner, Policy Consultant and Former Policy Director of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition