Senate Passes Carbon Credit Market Opportunity for Farmers

WASHINGTON, DC – Agricultural groups are applauding Senate passage of the Growing Climate Solutions Act on Thursday by an impressive 92-8 margin. If the bill ultimately becomes law, it would establish a new program within USDA to certify private carbon credit markets.

The legislation is aimed at putting farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners in the drivers seat of a national carbon market initiative whereby those in agriculture could receive compensation for practices, both current and in the future, that help capture carbon from the environment.

The bill contains language that prohibits the program from moving forward unless the advisory council, made up of this class of producers, determines it will enhance farmer participation. It also prohibits USDA from divulging any information about specific producers under a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
(SOURCE: All Ag News)