Missouri Attorney General Invites John Kerry to Discuss Agriculture Industry
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced today that his office joined forces with statewide agriculture groups to invite Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry to Missouri after his recent comments demanding the United States scale back its agriculture industry for its “high emissions.” The agriculture groups joining the letter include Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Cattleman’s Association, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, and Missouri Pork Association.
Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 15: Life on Land
“I promised Missouri farmers on my first day in office that I would fight for them, and that’s exactly what I’m working to do,” said Attorney General Bailey. “I’ve already won against the Biden Administration’s unconstitutional Waters of the United States rule that attempted to steal Missourians’ precious land. I’ll continue to stand up against Joe Biden’s federal overreach that attempts to stifle our farmers and ranchers.”
In the letter, Attorney General Bailey and the agricultural groups inform Kerry, “If you took the time to tour and meet the hard-working people of Missouri, many of whom earn a living on the farm, it might change your perspective a bit. These farms represent Missourians’ livelihoods and legacies. You recently called for dramatic government regulation of agriculture in the name of ‘climate change’, stating, ‘You just can’t continue to warm the planet, while also expecting to feed it. It doesn’t work. So we have to reduce emissions from the food system.’
“Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our state, and are vital to the economic health of our nation. They are honest, hard-working citizens whose job is never done. They rise with the sun and work long after it sets to put food on Americans’ tables, including yours. Your statements clearly demonstrate your lack of understanding of these values.”
They continue, “We are writing to remind you that they don’t call us the ‘Show-Me State’ for nothing. Missourians recognize that when coastal elites have a ‘great idea’ on how things ‘ought to be done’, it always ends poorly. We aren’t impressed by east-coast elites telling us how to think and what to do.”
They conclude, “We hope that you will take seriously our invitation to come and meet with us, so that you can see exactly what it is we’re fighting for: the farmers who are the very foundation of our great nation.”
Statements from Agriculture Groups
- Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins: “In my opinion, the greatest steward of the land and the true conservationist is the American farmer and rancher. American producers have used innovation to leave their farms better than they found it for generations. The untold story is that America’s farmers and ranchers are producing more food using fewer resources than ever before. That’s a story we are proud of.”
- Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Mike Deering: “From ketchup to cows, farmers and ranchers sustainably produce products for consumers in this country and beyond. It doesn’t take much more than common sense to understand that forcing farmers and ranchers out of business would raise global emissions because we would be forced to import more food.”
The full letter can be read here.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the impact of climate change policies on the agriculture industry, specifically in Missouri. It highlights the importance of farmers and ranchers in providing food and sustaining the economy. Therefore, SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) is relevant as it focuses on ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all. SDG 13 (Climate Action) is also addressed as it emphasizes the need to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Lastly, SDG 15 (Life on Land) is connected as it aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural land.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
The article emphasizes the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and the need to protect farmers’ livelihoods. Therefore, SDG 2.4 is relevant as it focuses on implementing resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production. Additionally, the article discusses the impact of climate change policies on the agriculture industry, highlighting the need to integrate climate change measures into national policies and planning, aligning with SDG 13.2. Lastly, the mention of the importance of farmers in leaving their farms better than they found it aligns with SDG 15.3, which aims to combat desertification and restore degraded land.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Indicator for SDG 2.4: Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as conservation tillage, agroforestry, and organic farming.
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Integration of climate change measures into national agricultural policies and strategies.
- Indicator for SDG 15.3: Increase in land restoration and decrease in land degradation rates.
The article mentions the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, which can be measured by tracking the adoption of practices like conservation tillage, agroforestry, and organic farming. The integration of climate change measures into national agricultural policies and strategies can be measured by assessing the extent to which climate change considerations are included in these documents. Lastly, progress towards combating desertification and restoring degraded land can be measured by monitoring the increase in land restoration efforts and the decrease in land degradation rates.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
---|---|---|
SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production. | Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as conservation tillage, agroforestry, and organic farming. |
SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Integration of climate change measures into national agricultural policies and strategies. |
SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. | Increase in land restoration and decrease in land degradation rates. |
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Source: ago.mo.gov
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