The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) opened registration today for its upcoming virtual roundtable diving into key considerations for farmers seeking to adopt climate-friendly carbon sequestration and other practices with the hope of increasing their on-farm income. 

IFBF’s “Carbon Credit Markets: What Farmers Need to Know” virtual roundtable will help answer questions and provide valuable insight as farmers seek to reduce their carbon footprint and navigate the ever-changing agriculture environment as private-sector companies present new opportunities and federal programs are developed. 

“This first-of-its-kind webinar will bring together scientific, business, association and private-sector climate program stakeholders to help our members build a better  understanding of future carbon credit markets and economic and environmental opportunities presented,” said Sam Funk, IFBF director of ag analytics and research. “We know that not all climate programs are carbon-only initiatives, so our speakers will provide our members the key data they need to know to make informed decisions on their farm.” 

The virtual roundtable will answer farmers’ questions including: What do carbon credit programs mean for farmers in terms of cost and commitment? What does a farmer need to share, and how long is a farmer locked into an arrangement, if new Federal programs arise? What are some of the burdens or challenges involved, and what practices or measured outcomes are required to be met to enroll in a program?

The roundtable will take place Wednesday, July 14, from Noon- 2:30 p.m. (CST) and is free for Farm Bureau members and $50 for non-members.  Credentialed media members are invited to register and attend free of charge. 

The virtual event will kick off with an overview from American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist, Shelby Myers, and Dr. Joe Outlaw, professor and extension economist at Texas A&M University.  The topic overview will be followed by a roundtable discussion with representatives from companies currently offering carbon credit programs including Bayer and Corteva.  Participants will also have an opportunity to directly engage with the panel speakers by submitting questions prior to the webinar and/or using the Zoom Q&A feature during the live webinar. 

“As farmers explore considerations for private-sector carbon sequestration programs, we know there are myriad questions regarding these program commitments,” said Funk.  “Farmers wonder about the limitations of certain farming practices, such as tillage to control resistant weeds, if enrolled in a carbon credit program; the farm landowner/renter relationship in regards to program participation; and concerns about early adopters being placed at a financial disadvantage for new programs.  This webinar will provide farmers the insight needed to make informed decisions on the potential consequences of engaging or withholding from participating in available climate market programs.”