Preparing Farmers and Ranchers for the Evolution of Carbon Markets

Title Proposed: Preparing Farmers and Ranchers for the Evolution of Carbon Markets Submitted by: Tiffany Dowell Lashmet and Jordan Shockley The evolution of carbon markets is dynamic and is facing many new challenges. Low enrollment into voluntary carbon programs, the perception of “greenwashing”, and class-action lawsuits around the world, have left companies rethinking their approach to meet their climate goals. Companies are now looking within their supply chain to reduce GHG emissions and generate what are known as carbon insets. For example, Beam Suntory (a popular spirits company) wants to achieve net zero emissions by working directly with growers that use sustainable practices. Cargill’s goal is to cut beef emissions 30% by working with ranches to implement regenerative grazing practices. The goal of this project is to educate farmers and ranchers on this new approach of carbon insets and how it will impact their operations. This project will develop and present resources on the production, marketing, and legal risks under “climate-smart” contract production. Specifically, we will educate farmers and ranchers on the corporate claims impacting row crop and livestock operations, what qualifies as “climate-smart” practices, price transparency, market access, and contract/legal considerations. This project will conduct two producer focused webinars, five factsheets, and five accompanying videos that will be available for extension specialists and county/regional ag agents across the Southeast.