Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
This briefing provided the latest updates on the USDA climate-smart agriculture funds, which support regenerative and sustainable farming practices, particularly benefiting specialty crop farmers who play a crucial role in the local food supply chain. Much of these critical funds were recently frozen, leaving many farmers in limbo as they make tough planning decisions for the 2025 season. In many cases, contracts were already signed, and funding was committed—yet now, farmers face uncertainty.
We have a simple yet impactful call to action that we need you to join to help apply pressure and get these funds released! The briefing provided updates on the James Beard Foundation’s Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign. Since its launch in February 2024, it has mobilized over 1,000 chefs to advocate for protecting federal funding for sustainable agriculture. Climate change uniquely impacts restaurateurs—from ingredient availability to the financial burden of extreme weather on businesses, employees, and operating costs. As chefs, your voices are powerful in highlighting how these challenges affect small businesses and local economies.
This briefing provided the latest updates on the USDA climate-smart agriculture funds, which support regenerative and sustainable farming practices, particularly benefiting specialty crop farmers who play a crucial role in the local food supply chain. Much of these critical funds were recently frozen, leaving many farmers in limbo as they make tough planning decisions for the 2025 season. In many cases, contracts were already signed, and funding was committed—yet now, farmers face uncertainty.
We have a simple yet impactful call to action that we need you to join to help apply pressure and get these funds released! The briefing provided updates on the James Beard Foundation’s Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign. Since its launch in February 2024, it has mobilized over 1,000 chefs to advocate for protecting federal funding for sustainable agriculture. Climate change uniquely impacts restaurateurs—from ingredient availability to the financial burden of extreme weather on businesses, employees, and operating costs. As chefs, your voices are powerful in highlighting how these challenges affect small businesses and local economies.
