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New carbon credit certification in USDA’s hands

USDA is working on a new carbon credit certification program in the new year to make it easier for farmers to get involved in carbon markets. Ag lobbyist Randy Russell says the Growing Climate Solutions Act was included in the year-end spending bill.

“Third party certifiers, if they meet certain conditions set up by USDA, will be certified by the agency and can then go out and be part of the measurement and verification process for carbon credits that are generated off of private market.”

He says USDA will now begin putting together the registry and standards for certification.

“These will support the goals of climate, regenerative and sustainable ag, but do it in a way that supports private carbon markets, not public markets.”

Russell tells Brownfield there are also challenges ahead. USDA needs more field staff to help implement these new climate programs.