Carbon Credit Market Must Have Economic Intensives, Ag Groups Say
On Capitol Hill last week, the Senate Ag committee heard testimony of how best to create a workable carbon credit market system for farmers. American Farm Bureau Federation President, Zippy Duvall, said whatever is created will not get much farmer support without clear rules.
"We don't need another program that's so complicated that we have to hire another consultant to help us with it," Duvall stated.
Farmer's Union Head, Rob Larew, added the system would have to contain," a structure so that farmers can trust the information, make sure that they can get their questions answered, and can believe in the system, and the market itself."
But all the experts said most of all to get farmers involved in more environmentally friendly practices and participating in a carbon credit system there would have to be economic incentives.
"If you anchor the conversation in profitability that ultimately can lead to the adoption of carbon-smart technology," said As Jason Weller with Land 'O Lakes.
Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue said, when it come to farmers, "They will do what's in their best economic interest."
If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com