TFB statement on Biden executive orders on climate

The following statement may be attributed to Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening following today’s Biden administration executive orders on climate.

“American agriculture has been, and will continue to be, part of the climate solution. Texas farmers and ranchers are deeply committed to caring for the soil, water and resources that provide our country’s bountiful food, fiber and fuel.

"Modern agriculture utilizes climate-smart practices. Government mandates that dictate agricultural practices to achieve a particular policy goal are counter-productive. Voluntary, incentive-based measures are the best tools within agriculture to achieve desired efficiencies and outcomes.

"When considering sustainable agriculture, there is only one constant, and that is agriculture is only sustainable when it is profitable. Regulatory approaches that only increase operational expenses are doomed for failure.

"There must be science, research and verification that a policy directive will actually produce a net benefit. A cost/benefit analysis would also be a common-sense approach when addressing the sustainability of any climate initiatives.

"Texas farmers and ranchers look forward to sharing ideas with the Biden administration on how federal programs can be used to encourage adoption of practices that produce meaningful carbon reductions and sequestrations.”