Carbon Markets in Agriculture and More

Posted on June 15, 2020 by Taylor in Farming Resources, Funding, Policy, Politics // 0 Comments

Carbon Markets in Agriculture, The Agriculture Resilience Act, Applications open for CLEAR30, and More News from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)

Potential for Carbon Markets in Agriculture to Address Climate Change

This is the second blog in a series that will be focusing on specific provisions included in the Agriculture Resilience Act (ARA) introduced in 2020.

As stewards of our land and natural resources facing increasing pressures from climate change, farmers and ranchers hold a unique position to sequester carbon in our country’s soils through best management practices for soil health, crop and livestock production, and agroforestry.

Carbon markets in agriculture have become a popular climate policy proposal, but many questions remain regarding measurements, payment levels, beneficiaries, and permanence. Because of those questions, the ARA does not include a direct proposal to sanction or provide public subsidies for such markets. Instead, the bill directs USDA to further research ecosystem service markets and put infrastructure, guidance, and criteria in place to facilitate farmers’ possible future participation in public programs or private markets. Learn more about the implications of carbon markets and farmers’ contribution to climate change here:

Enrollment Opening Soon: Farmers in Chesapeake and Great Lakes Watersheds Encouraged to Apply for CLEAR30

This year, Farm Service Agency is rolling out a new pilot program called CLEAR30 in the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay watersheds, focusing on building on the successes of important water quality improvement programs within the Conservation Reserve Program. CLEAR30 will provide eligible farmers and landowners with a 30-year contract to continue conservation practices that keep our waterways clean and healthy. Learn more about the application process and important deadlines below:

Solidarity Statement for Racial Justice

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition grieves the murder of George Floyd and stands with those calling for justice for Mr. Floyd, for Ahmaud Arbery, for Tony McDade, for David McAtee, for Breonna Taylor, and for every Black life lost to racism in this country. Farm and food policy is not exempt from racism. This week NSAC recommits to the fight against racial injustice and stands with those calling for long-overdue change. As a historically white-led organization, we have much critical reflection, discussion, and action to do as we hold ourselves accountable to this commitment, and we encourage our broader community to join us. You can read the full statement below: