What the hell is the USDA, a dysfunctional and non-relevant agency, unable to perform or meet its basic functions doing in environmental markets?  This is nothing more than a smoke screen for seizing agricultural lands and property under the guise of environmental concerns.  And how can they rationalize the biodiversity goal when they have helped facilitate and end biodiversity via their collusion with bio-pirates such as Monsanto?   Marti

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WASHINGTON, March 10, 2010–Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced new details about the functions and objectives of USDA’s Office of Environmental Markets (OEM). OEM, now part of USDA’s Natural Resources and Environment mission area, will work to carry out USDA’s climate and rural revitalization goals by supporting the development of emerging markets for carbon, water quality, wetlands and biodiversity.

“Environmental markets leverage private investments that result in cleaner air, improved water quality, restored wetlands, and enhanced wildlife habitat,” said Vilsack. “These markets have the potential to become a new economic driver for rural America, exactly what we need to support a bold, creative future for America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.” More