At last night’s Fall Crops Meeting, K-State Research & Extension Environmental Quality Specialist presented a program he and Dr. DeAnn Presley have put together outlining carbon markets.
During his presentation, he shared this reference from the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership that outlines a number of the different programs being offered. If you want to know more about the ins and outs of various programs, check it out at: https://ilsustainableag.org/ecomarkets .
A couple of others to consider:
- How to Grow and Sell Carbon Credits in US Agriculture (Iowa State University): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353523269_How_to_Grow_and_Sell_Carbon_Credits_in_US_Agriculture
- KSU Ag Economist radio interview: The Future of Carbon Markets –
https://www.agmanager.info/news/future-carbon-markets
He also shared some questions a producer should ask before entering into a carbon contract. Some of them include:
- How do they measure carbon stored? Will they collect the initial and follow-up soil samples or do you? What is their fee to collect the samples?
- Understand the payments and the costs. Do they pay by acre or by carbon credit? What is the payment schedule? Some companies use holdbacks or a percent taken off of the top to cover their role in the process. What are their fees? Are they in line with other companies?
- Can you stack carbon market payments with cost-share payments from local or federal governments?
These – and many other questions should be a part of your evaluation of any carbon credit program. These programs can be complicated and participation should be carefully considered to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
If you’re interested in the full presentation, e-mail me at dhallaue@ksu.edu.
