Please join us Friday, November 3, 9:00 – 10:00am at the Berkeley Faculty Club, Heyns Room for a public seminar “Climate, Conservation, and Equity at the US Department of Agriculture” with Robert Bonnie, Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) at USDA.

Bonnie’s role as FPAC Undersecretary touches on topics like climate, conservation, forest management, and equity. He oversees the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency, and the Risk Management Agency, which administer the Farm Bill’s conservation programs, crop insurance, and disaster relief. Bonnie also supervises the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act’s $19.5 billion investment in climate-smart agriculture and the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, which has pilot projects in all 50 states. Additionally, Bonnie oversees efforts to increase equity in USDA programs, including administering funds for farmers who have historically faced discrimination and increasing access to untitled/heirs’ property owners and tribes.

The public seminar will provide Undersecretary Robert Bonnie an opportunity to discuss USDA’s climate and conservation priorities, the Farm Bill reauthorization process, and other topics with our campus community. The seminar will include a 30-minute presentation followed by a Q&A. A light breakfast will be provided.