Our team has just returned from COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where USFRA brought a strong delegation of farmers and leaders from across the ag value chain. With the U.S. government not sending official representation this year, it was more important than ever that American agriculture had a visible and credible presence on the global stage. Our goal was clear: ensure the perspectives and leadership of U.S. farmers and ranchers were understood and represented in key conversations shaping the future of food and agriculture.
The encouraging news is that COP30 elevated agriculture more prominently than we’ve seen in previous COPs, and agrifood systems were positioned as a powerful pathway for mitigation, adaptation, resilience, and ecosystem restoration.
We also saw meaningful momentum around sustainable biofuels, which could accelerate alignment between agriculture and global energy decarbonization. And the Agrizone—a dedicated space created for cross-sector collaboration—proved to be a valuable platform for bringing together science, traditional knowledge, innovation, and practical farming experience.
USFRA was proud to help carry the voice of U.S. agriculture into these global discussions.
Wishing you and your families a warm and restful Thanksgiving. Thank you for your continued support.
Kevin Burkum
CEO
U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action
USFRA helped showcase how farmers and ranchers are solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges at COP30, which was held in Belém, Brazil, November 10-21. As an official observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), USFRA brought a delegation of farmers and ag value chain partners to underscore agriculture’s essential contributions to resilience, productivity, and economic opportunity.
USFRA also co-hosted two high-impact events that highlighted the power of farmer-led innovation:
1. How Agriculture Is Increasing Resilience, Mitigating Emissions and Improving Farm Productivity
This event demonstrated real-world solutions from producers, researchers, and industry partners worldwide. Speakers shared practical innovations that strengthen food systems while reducing environmental impacts. The session was co-hosted with the Meat Institute, Corn Refiners Association, and Solutions from the Land.
2. Go Ag Go: Building Connections for Action on the Road to COP31
Featuring farmers, NGOs, business leaders and other stakeholders, this event helped identify shared priorities for the year ahead leading up to COP31 in Turkey. Conversations focused on farmer profitability, climate-resilient infrastructure, and ensuring farmers are fully represented in global forums and dialogues.
USFRA’s board of directors is a group of leaders who not only guide the organization but also embody the spirit and innovation of American agriculture. They bring expertise, passion, and a collaborative spirit that drives USFRA forward.
In this video, Marcus Bernard, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at Kentucky State University and MANNRS representative on the USFRA Board of Directors, shares why he decided to pursue a career in agriculture and how MANNRS is changing the face of agriculture.
Join us on December 10 at 2 p.m. CT as Dr. Bruno Basso and Dr. Jerry Hatfield unveil key insights from USFRA’s newest study, “Enhancing Farm Profitability Through Nitrogen Efficiency and Yield Stability.” The study finds that nitrogen management and yield resilience can drive both sustainability and profitability for farmers and ranchers.
October marked the last of five webinars in a series focused on the key findings of USFRA’s peer-reviewed report, “Potential for U.S. Agriculture to Be Greenhouse Gas Negative,” which was published late last year. The report, published by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) in late 2024, was written by 26 leading research scientists. The peer-reviewed report outlines how agriculture can more than offset its carbon footprint while increasing farmer profitability and farm resilience.
This webinar explored ways to close the row crop yield gap. Speakers included Dr. Jerry Hatfield, formerly with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Dr. Romulo Lollato of Kansas State University, Patrick Giberson, farmer and member of the United Soybean Board and USFRA Board of Directors and Sean Arians, National Corn Growers Association.
If you’ve missed any of the four previous webinars, you’re able to view them online:
USFRA’s podcast, Farm+Food+Facts, draws thousands of listeners and is recognized as one of the top podcasts that explore sustainable food systems. This month’s episodes:
Host Joanna Guza talks with Dr. Sally Flis, USFRA Board Member and Director of Sustainable Program Management and Outcome Design at Nutrien, about the company’s latest Sustainability Report. We cover the big takeaways on nitrogen efficiencies, agronomics, the impact of technology and more. Listen HERE.
In a Podcast Extra, Dr. Flis shares how she’s keeping an eye on the biofuel space and the opportunities it could have for farmers with the 45Z tax credit and other incentives. Listen HERE.
Don’t forget to subscribe and tune in to Farm+Food+Facts!
