Clemson University and SC State are receiving up to $70 million initial funding to partner with the USDA to find innovative ways to positively impact the climate, according to a recent announcement from Clemson News. 
The project, Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities, will find new ways to practice agricultural skills. Part of the project goal will guarantee involvement from small farmers across the Southeast, according to the USDA.
“I know what small farming families can mean going forward. This is the kind of program that will assist them in making a living,” said Rep. James E. Clyburn of South Carolina. He is focusing his work to be sure South Carolina has accessible and affordable opportunities for all residents.
This five-year project will be aimed towards peanut, vegetable, beef cattle and forestry farmers. Small farmers across the state will receive education, training and finances to change their farming techniques that will support climate-smart practices.
Some of the new techniques will involve, covering crops, prescribed grazing and reducing tillage, land preparation before growing crops, to improve water quality.
“We’re appreciative of the USDA’s investment into this project, which will both help farmers across the state of South Carolina and measure the benefits associated with climate-smart practices,” said Paula Agudelo, project lead and associate dean of research in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
Announced on Sept. 14, there are 70 selected projects across the country, under the partnerships, which can lead to up to $2.8 billion in each. These 70 projects contribute to the first funding pool, and the second funding pool for projects will be announced later this year.
USDA is also partnered with other agricultural schools like Virginia Tech and Texas A&M.
“We have the opportunity for our talented farmers, researchers and partners here in South Carolina to lead the field of climate-smart agriculture locally, nationally and globally,” said Jim Clements, the president of Clemson University.