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NAWG CEO says carbon programs can’t be “one size fits all”

The CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers says from a wheat farmer perspective carbon market programs cannot be once size fits all.

During the 2021 Commodity Classic, Chandler Goule says for instance cover crops for a farmer in the pacific northwest who only grows wheat, would compete too much for moisture and damage the wheat crop.

“As the administration and legislation continue to move froward with what they want to do for carbon and climate, we need to make sure they understand there are different climates and demographics that are going to be needed in order for wheat to be able to thrive in these programs they come out with.”

He says cover crops will not work in every state as a way to sequester carbon in the wheat industry.  

“We are going to have to find other ways to sequester carbon that will also help us maintain that moisture so that our seeds can germinate in the next planting season. It’s something that is weighing heavily on wheat growers’ minds right now.”

He says NAWG is forming a special committee on sustainability and climate to further explore opportunities for wheat growers to participate in carbon markets.