USDA Rolls Out Plan To Establish Carbon Credit Verification Model

The USDA says it is working to make connections between farmers as well as providers and verifiers of carbon credits.

“We announced the opening of positions on an advisory committee that we're instructed to develop under the Climate Solutions Act that was passed by Congress.  It's a large advisory committee.”

Thirty-two members according to agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack speaking at the American coalition for ethanol conference in Omaha, NE last week.  He explained the committee will review qualifications and activities of technical assistance providers and 3rd party carbon credit verifiers, and advise the Secretary on method entry and integrity of carbon markets.  Vilsack noted this effort was made possible thanks to $300 million from the Inflation Reduction Act.

“We are essentially investing it in an effort to create protocols and standards for these ecosystem service markets to essentially utilize in judging the value of particular practices that farmers will present for credit. So, we're going to try to create the protocols and standards by which this verified information can flow into and be trusted. Be sort of farmer friendly, and to recognize the difference between agriculture and some other industries.”

Applications are being accepted through the Federal Register with the deadline for application October 15th.  For more, visit AMS' Website.

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