In northern Idaho, the Wittman family has produced crops, cattle and timber for 100 years. But now, climate change is threatening their livelihood and all who depend on them for food.

“We have weather that's totally different than it was 30 years ago,” says Dick Wittman. “We have hotter hots, colder colds, wetter wets and drier dries.” Read more about the Wittmans’ story in our Vital Signs article.

EDF works with farmers like the Wittmans to help them adapt and lessen their farm’s impact on the climate. Climate-smart farming increases food production by bringing new life to the soil instead of depleting it. Techniques include growing and rotating a wider diversity of crops, lessening erosion through no-till planting and limiting herbicides and synthetic fertilizer.  

Learn how EDF is advancing climate-smart farming to conserve water, reduce climate pollution, help farms ride out economic hard-times and support thriving wildlife like pollinators.

Farmers support investments in climate-smart agriculture and many would switch if they could afford to. Unfortunately, current policies in the U.S. make it difficult and expensive for farmers to practice climate-smart farming and diverge from dominant crops — like corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton. 

That’s why EDF, our members and farmers like the Wittmans are working to ensure that the next farm bill will support farmers preparing for and helping to solve climate change. The farm bill is passed roughly once every five years and greatly impacts how food is grown. 

This spring, we’ll keep you informed as we learn more about the new farm bill and how you can raise your voice to support farmers and our safer climate future. Learn more here.