US Agricultural Emissions Hit Lowest Point Since 2012, But Debate Over Sustainability Practices Lingers

A new EPA study reveals US agricultural emissions fell 1.8% in 2022, marking the lowest level since 2012. Despite this decrease, which puts the sector’s contribution to overall US emissions at just under 10%, ongoing debate surrounds the true impact and long-term effectiveness of current sustainability practices.

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) sees the reduction as proof that voluntary, market-driven conservation efforts help farmers reduce their environmental footprint. “This demonstrates farmers’ and ranchers’ commitment to sustainable production and benefits both the farm and the climate,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall.

However, Ben Lilliston of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy counters that the decrease is a result of temporary market factors like rising fertilizer costs and a shrinking cattle herd, not a testament to planned conservation efforts.

Sources of Emissions

The EPA report outlines the key sources of agricultural greenhouse gasses: livestock (enteric fermentation and manure management), fertilizer use, and fuel combustion from equipment. Crop cultivation and livestock emissions saw declines in 2022, possibly linked to a smaller cattle population due to market responses to drought conditions.

Conflicting Views on Conservation

While the AFBF promotes voluntary conservation practices, some researchers question their long-term efficacy. Planting cover crops and no-till farming, promoted for carbon sequestration, may have limited or temporary impact, according to several soil scientists. The USDA, however, maintains that these practices can sequester carbon but acknowledges variation in results based on specific conditions. Critics argue that market incentives for practices with questionable climate benefits could undermine broader efforts to decarbonize agriculture.