Carbon
Resource Guide
Carbon may have the spotlight, but many farmers still have questions about this new revenue stream and what it means for their farms. This guide will explore what a carbon program is, how these programs work and, most importantly, the questions to ask as you evaluate a carbon contract.
What’s driving interest in carbon?
Companies are under pressure from consumers, investors and employees to reduce their carbon footprint. By 2020, 80 percent of companies worldwide committed to reducing greenhouse gases, and 20% of the largest public companies made net zero commitments — recognizing that the long-term health of their businesses depends on global emission reductions.
Why Carbon Markets Exist
To reduce its carbon footprint, a company will cut emissions internally. For example, a corporation like Amazon™ might cut transportation steps in its supply chain or adopt clean energy at a distribution center.
If that’s not enough, the company can “offset” its emissions (i.e., pay for the pollution it can’t reduce). One of the easiest ways to offset emissions is to buy carbon credits through a carbon program or market.
Company cannot reduce all emissions
from within its operation
Company offsets excess emissions by
buying carbon credits
Company can validate
net-zero emissions
Demand for Carbon Credits Is Growing
The demand for carbon credits is rising, and farmers who enroll in a carbon program will only see the upside in terms of market demand and carbon credit pricing.
Brazil
Canada
United States