Solectrac Electric Tractors, a subsidiary of Ideanomics, is set to make its mark on the “Farmers for Climate Action: Rally for Resilience,” a grassroots alliance of farmers, farmworkers and farmer allies who are heading to Washington D.C. during the week of March 6, 2023, with a singular ask for policymakers: make climate change policy a priority in the 2023 Farm Bill.
The event, led by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), Farm Aid, and supported by a host of other organizations, aims to bring a mass mobilization of producers to the Capitol, reminiscent of the 1979 Tractorcade. And this time, a Solectrac electric tractor will be on display to show that the future of agriculture is here.
“Electric tractors are an essential part of addressing the climate crisis and forging a sustainable future for farmers. These tractors can be charged from renewable energy and not only eliminate on-site emissions, but also provide a healthier work environment,” said Mani Iyer, CEO of Solectrac.
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The focus of the 3-day event is on the next Farm Bill on the docket for the 118th Congress. Farmers, ranchers, and advocates want legislators to address the severe challenges facing the farming community due to the climate crisis. They are asking that the next Farm Bill explicitly empower farmers to tackle climate change by providing resources, assistance, and incentives that will allow them to lead the way in implementing proven climate solutions.
“We want to urge Congress that electrification of agriculture is part of the myriad of solutions that we will need to pursue in order to attain a sustainable food system,” said Iyer.
The event will draw attention to the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of our climate crisis, and farmers will be calling on our nation’s politicians to enact policies that promote racial equity and address the history of discrimination against Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.
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“For countless farmers and communities across the country, a status quo Farm Bill would miss the mark. Nothing short of bold structural changes – including significant investments in sustainable agriculture and enacting fair pricing policies – will do,” said Mike Lavender, NCAS Interim Policy Director.
The display of the Solectrac electric tractor at the rally will underscore the critical role that technology can play in addressing the pressing issues facing the farming community. As the event brings together farmers, farmworkers, and allies, it is clear that the call for action on climate change is being heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress.
