Group Launches Carbon Web Site for Farmers
The Ag Carbon Markets Working Group launched www.agcarbonmarkets.com as a resource tool for the agriculture community.
"Our Web site will help farmers better understand the value of agriculture offsets like methane capture and soil carbon sequestration," said Laura Sands, coordinator of the Ag Carbon Markets Working Group. "This is an opportunity for the ag community to find new revenue streams that help their pocket books while protecting the environment."
Estimates of U.S. greenhouse gas markets indicate that U.S. farms have the potential to mitigate as much as 40 percent of the nation's total climate impact with practices such as soil carbon sequestration or methane capture.
Under the Lieberman Warner Climate Security Act, which is now before the Senate, U.S. agricultural producers could receive billions of dollars annually from offset markets or choose to participate in a USDA carbon conservation program funded by the climate market.
"Congress has some pretty important decisions ahead of them and farmers can play a crucial role," said Sands. "ACMWG wants to ensure farmers have a seat at the table when the final bill is negotiated."
The Ag Carbon Markets Working Group was developed through a process of collaboration between Environmental Defense Fund, concerned farmers, and industry experts.