Survey Shows Farmer Concerns About Carbon Markets

A new report from Farm Journal shows farmer perspectives and concerns on pathways and barriers to participating in carbon markets.  A majority of farmers surveyed revealed significant concerns about overcoming technical and financial roadblocks to having success in the carbon markets.  Producers worry that the benefits won’t be worth the cost, ongoing compliance regulations will be burdensome and that existing ag practices they already have in place on their operations won’t be fairly compensated.

Farm Journal said the initial findings show that even the most “carbon-curious” farmers are saying that participating in current market conditions would require too much time, effort, and resources without fair returns on those investments.  Farmers are also concerned about their data and whether it will get handled appropriately or will be difficult to collect.  

After several years, 97% of farmers aren’t ready to participate in carbon markets, but 93% are aware they exist. 

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