U.S. farmers and ranchers have been at the forefront of innovation and prioritizing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Their efforts support the production of safe, abundant, and nutritious food, fuel, and fiber for a growing population around the world.
As scientists specializing in agricultural sustainability, we worked with 23 other leading independent researchers on a new report that was peer-reviewed by the National Academy of Sciences and published by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. Our findings show that U.S. agriculture, which currently accounts for roughly 10% of total U.S. GHG emissions, not only has the potential to reduce its GHG footprint but has the potential to become a GHG sink.
The report, “Potential for U.S. Agriculture to Be Greenhouse Gas Negative,” highlights this promising and achievable action, presenting five major areas of opportunity: soil carbon management, nitrogen fertilizer management, animal production and management, efficient energy use, and closing the crop yield gap, which is the difference between field-level yields and the genetic potential of the crop. More aggressive adoption of regenerative practices in these areas provides the opportunity for U.S. agriculture to more than offset its carbon footprint.
Our research is being introduced during an official side event this week at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
Precision management of nitrogen fertilizer is a crucial area of opportunity, with the potential to reduce emissions by up to 50%. Nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, is a major emission from agriculture, while still a small percentage of overall U.S. emissions. By applying the right amount of nitrogen at the right time and place, we can significantly reduce these emissions. This approach not only cuts down on GHGs and other environmental impacts but also boosts the efficiency and profitability of farming operations, making it a win-win for farmers and the environment.
Our findings also highlight the transformative power of soil carbon sequestration. Approximately 40% of achieving GHG negativity could come from storing carbon deeper in the soil through reduced tillage, crop diversity, crop rotation, and the introduction of cover crops. These practices not only sequester carbon but also enhance soil health and productivity, proving that environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity can go hand in hand.
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Energy use in agricultural systems is often overlooked as a potential area for impacting GHG emissions. By generating energy through biofuels, solar panels and wind turbines, farms can reduce their emissions costs of operations and potentially create additional income streams. Building out a circular bioeconomy, where agricultural byproducts are repurposed into energy and other valuable resources, further enhances this potential. This approach not only reduces waste but also creates a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural system.
Despite these promising findings, we face significant challenges. Economic viability and risk considerations play important roles in the broader adoption of these technologies, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. This report dives into these dimensions as well and identifies key areas where further scientific investigation and innovation are essential.
The food supply chain also has a significant role to play. Many companies are beginning to invest in regenerative agriculture to reduce their overall emissions. By collaborating with farmers and ranchers, companies can support the adoption of these practices on a larger scale, amplifying the impact of individual efforts.
The “Potential for U.S. Agriculture to be Greenhouse Gas Negative” report covers every major aspect of agricultural production as well as food loss and waste, which accounts for up to 40% of all food produced in the United States. Notably, the report focuses on near-term research and the deployment of existing technologies, not solutions that are 50 years down the road.
We urge producers, researchers, and stakeholders across the agricultural sector and beyond to review the report and consider how they can contribute to supporting the vital role that farmers and ranchers play in our lives and our national security. The time for action is now.
Chuck Rice is a university distinguished professor in the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University. Marty Matlock is a professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Arkansas. Jerry Hatfield is a retired scientist and laboratory director for USDA's Agricultural Research Service,