Farmers Take Legal Action Against Department of Agriculture Over Critical Climate Data Removal

On February 24, 2025, farmers and environmental groups took a stand against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They filed a lawsuit after the department removed important climate change information from its websites and halted funding related to climate and conservation efforts.

This legal action highlights the growing frustration among agricultural communities. The USDA’s decision affected web pages that contained key data on climate change trends, such as droughts, floods, and extreme weather. Farmers often rely on this information to make decisions that protect their crops and livelihoods.

The lawsuit was brought by Earthjustice and the Knight First Amendment Institute on behalf of several organizations, including the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York and the Environmental Working Group. Their argument is simple: the USDA’s actions compromise the vital resources farmers need to navigate the challenges posed by climate change.

Wes Gillingham, a leader in the farming community, called the USDA’s move “senseless.” He emphasized that farmers are facing increasing risks due to climate-related events and that accurate, current information is crucial for them. In 2023 alone, natural disasters led to more than $22 billion in crop losses, underscoring the importance of accessible data.

The case was filed in the Southern District of New York. The plaintiffs argue that the deletion of climate data isn’t just a matter of missing information; it threatens the livelihoods of farmers and the stability of the food supply.

In essence, the lawsuit represents a fight against what the farmers and environmentalists see as a form of “climate censorship.” In a world where every piece of information can make a difference, restricting access to crucial climate data risks putting many farmers in jeopardy. As climate change continues to pose significant threats to agriculture, these groups are determined to reclaim the vital resources they need to adapt and survive.

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