Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Legislation to Support Farmers, Conservation Efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) introduced the Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action (PACA) Act of 2025. This bill would scale and replicate Washington state’s bipartisan Sustainable Farms and Fields program, which supports farmers by incentivizing voluntary conservation practices, enhancing producer innovation and viability, and enabling locally led climate action.

"Our farmers play an integral role in our community here in Washington state, influencing our culture, economy, and environment,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “It is our responsibility to support our agricultural community, particularly as they face growing challenges posed by climate change. That's why I'm proud to introduce the PACA Act to help producers here in the Eighth District and across the country voluntarily strengthen their climate resiliency, contribute to climate solutions, stay in business, and improve their bottom line."

“The vast majority of farms in Washington state are operated by small farmers, who need support as they prioritize conservation and sustainability while remaining profitable,” said Congresswoman Strickland. “The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act prioritizes funding for climate-resilient innovative crops from low-income and minority farmers.”

Beyond scaling a successful state agriculture model, this bill allows farmers to best utilize their land and implement regionally relevant agricultural practices. Farmers, trusted partners, and state and Tribal governments can use PACA grants to support climate change adaptation and mitigation that best fits their land and circumstances.

The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action (PACA) Act of 2025 will:

• Establish a new subprogram under USDA’s existing Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for local partners, States, and Tribes to improve and expedite resource access for producers who are reducing emissions, enhancing soil carbon storage, and improving resilience to extreme weather.
• Enable local, State, and Tribal entities and partnerships to direct climate action in ways that are regionally relevant and appropriate for local agricultural operations.
• Support first-time, low-income, and minority farmers by providing technical and financial assistance.
• Ultimately, make it easier and more affordable for farmers and ranchers to implement climate-smart practices that are regionally relevant.

“The Washington State Conservation Commission thanks Representative Schrier for her commitment to creating opportunities for farmers and ranchers to voluntarily adopt climate-smart practices,” said Washington State Conservation Commission Executive Director James Thompson. “Through experience with our Sustainable Farms and Fields program, we know producers in Washington are adopting creative solutions to mitigate climate change impacts, resulting in increased resiliency to drought, flood, and fire while supporting long-term viability. The PACA Act of 2025 would scale this proven approach, bringing much-needed resources to agricultural producers across the country.”

“The agriculture sector is often positioned as a climate adversary, but many farmers, ranchers, foresters, and rural communities across the country have a deep understanding of how to steward their land sustainably,” said Mary Olive, Interim Director of Policy at Carbon180. “The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act taps into the strengths of states, Tribes, conservation districts, and farmer cooperatives to leverage local knowledge, build resilience to extreme weather, and scale up climate-smart practices that sequester carbon and reduce emissions.”

“The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act, like Washington State's Sustainable Farms and Fields Program, will incentivize farmers to sequester carbon and improve soil health, reduce air pollution and decrease their operating costs - it's a complete win for everyone," said Doug Ray, Ph.D. Carbon Washington Board Chair. 

"Washington's potato growers are on the front lines of adapting to a changing climate and global market,” said Geordy Greene, Director of Government Affairs for the Washington State Potato Commission. “Legislation like PACA gives growers practical tools—not mandates—to stay competitive, protect yields, and invest in smarter, more resilient production. It's a win for growers, consumers, and Washington's ag economy."

This legislation is supported by the Washington State Conservation Commission, Carbon180, Carbon Washington, the Washington State Potato Commission, the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, and the Washington Farm Bureau.  

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