In February 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, aiming to empower farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in adopting sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative represents a significant investment, with $3.1 billion allocated to 141 projects across the nation, including two grants awarded to Arizona.
The concept of climate-smart crops is gaining traction, signifying agricultural practices that minimize carbon footprint, often leverage native plants, and thrive with minimal intervention. This translates to reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting natural pest control methods, and fostering genetic diversity to enhance resilience against diseases.
The University of Arizona leads one of the USDA grant-funded projects. This $4.7 million initiative champions innovative food production methods that prioritize environmental sustainability, water conservation, and greenhouse gas emission reduction. The project will explore diverse sustainable farming practices, with Local First Arizona contributing to market development. Notably, the grant emphasizes knowledge exchange between tribal and non-tribal producers.
This initiative arrives at a crucial juncture. The summer of 2021 witnessed a historic event for the Colorado River, with the Bureau of Reclamation declaring the first-ever Tier 1 water shortage for Lake Mead, a vital reservoir and the nation's largest by volume. This critical waterway, spanning over 1,450 miles, serves as a lifeline for the southwestern US and northern Mexico. The Tier 1 shortage resulted in mandatory water restrictions for Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico.
Driven by the urgency of climate change's impact on agriculture, my Graduate Studies Project for the University of Arizona School of Journalism, delves into the efforts and investments within the Southwest, particularly Arizona, to promote and cultivate climate-adapted crops and practices. Through a series of short-form essays and accompanying video interviews, I explore the groundwork, research, actions, and challenges surrounding climate-smart foods.