U.S. agriculture agency extends climate funding to small farmersWASHINGTON, Dec 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture will distribute an additional $325 million in funding for projects tailored to smaller-scale farmers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, taking its total annual investment in climate-friendly farming to more than $3 billion, the agency announced Monday.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told Reuters a key goal of the program is to enable more farmers to serve the growing consumer market for sustainably produced food.The funded groups include Black farmer associations, Native American tribes and organizations that serve women, veteran and beginning farmers.Some projects will monitor and verify the benefits of climate-friendly farm practices like rotating crops, installing solar panels in farm fields and reducing fertilizer application."I am sure there are worthy projects, but USDA is abusing the authorities of the (CCC) and this will be reviewed in the new year," Thompson said in an email."