It’s been a year since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law, allocating $40 billion for farms and rural communities across the U.S. Its purpose is to maintain a food supply while addressing the impact of agriculture on climate change.

“It will allow farmers the ability to lower energy costs, to create food sustainability,” said Charlene Fernandez, USDA state director. She says the money is already helping farmers expand their operations in a sustainable way. “My job here is to make sure this product is grown safe and gets to your tables safely,” says Fernandez.