Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 7/2/20

Rep. Josh Harder (D-Calif.) will introduce a bill that would set up a $2.5 billion grant fund to help farmers invest in more fuel efficient vehicles, sequester carbon in their soil, and make other changes aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

First in MA: The legislation is modeled after a similar 'climate smart’ effort in California that doles out money from the state’s cap-and-trade proceeds to help producers do things like install methane digesters or plant cover crops. The bill would also set up a $10 million pilot program to work on converting tree nut byproducts (think almond hulls) into “climate friendly biocarbon products.” Pros, check out the bill text here.

Bedfellows: The bill is backed by a mix of ag and environmental groups, including the National Milk Producers Federation, Almond Alliance, Citizens Climate Lobby and League of Conservation Voters. Co-sponsors include California Reps. T.J. Cox and Jim Costa, both House Ag members.

Expect more climate bills: The legislation from Harder, who represents a major almond growing area, is part of a growing list of marker bills related to climate that are likely to drop from a wide range of lawmakers before discussions kick up about the next farm bill.