MCGA resources address carbon markets
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is providing key information to stakeholders on programs that may create a potential revenue opportunity for farmers implementing practices that capture and store carbon in the soil.
At Farmfest, MCGA debuted a new publication, “Carbon Markets 101.” The publication shares helpful background on carbon sequestration, carbon markets, and offers key questions that farmers might consider before participating.
MCGA also has a new webinar available, called “Carbon Accounting: Potential of Soil Carbon Sequestration,” that delves more deeply into carbon markets.
Many programs have emerged in recent years, as the increasing number of companies pledging to become carbon neutral seek to offset emissions that can’t practically be eliminated.
Agricultural land is a target for such programs because conservation practices, such as cover crops and no-till farming, put more solid carbon in the soil and slow the loss of carbon back into the atmosphere.
Without a national carbon-market policy to establish standards, it’s incumbent upon farmers to research the types of programs available and the expertise and experience behind them. Farmers may want to consider consulting an attorney to review contracts and help understand their rights and obligations before signing agreements.
Visit mncorn.org/publications to download the “Carbon Markets 101” brochure and youtube.com/mncornvids to watch the webinar.
