Good Agricultural Practice in the United States: Conservation and Climate

Abstract

Agriculture depends on the environment for production of food and fibre, yet agricultural activities may emit harmful pollutants. US law and policy encourage sustainable agriculture. Good agricultural practices, especially those that protect the environment and foster conservation, play a significant role in sustainability. US law imposes relatively few environmental requirements on producers, but offers numerous financial and other incentives for good agricultural practices. Policy discussions about the environmental effects of agricultural production often address two significant issues: the balance between mandatory and voluntary measures to protect the environment and the potential role of agriculture in mitigating climate change and sequestering carbon.