Grounding U.S. Policies: Understanding the Role of Federal Agricultural Programs in Advancing Soil Carbon and Climate-Smart Agriculture

This publication examines how existing U.S. agricultural and climate policies shape the implementation of soil carbon sequestration and climate-smart agriculture initiatives. It evaluates federal conservation programs, carbon markets, greenhouse gas accounting tools, and funding mechanisms that influence farmer participation in emissions reduction and soil health strategies. The report identifies policy gaps, structural barriers, and inconsistencies between scientific uncertainty and program design, particularly regarding measurement, monitoring, and verification requirements. It also explores how policy frameworks affect equity, farmer risk, and long-term adoption of conservation practices. By grounding climate-smart agriculture within current regulatory and economic systems, the publication provides recommendations to improve alignment between scientific evidence, farmer realities, and climate mitigation goals. The analysis supports more effective and durable policy approaches that prioritize both environmental outcomes and agricultural viability.