This past year, Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has taken an exploratory look at the broader issue of voluntary carbon markets in agriculture. Multiple internal discussions were had between the Government Relations, Agronomy and Market Development divisions to account for all perspectives. The Environmental Policy team met with over 10 outside organizations that work in the carbon market and regenerative agriculture space to learn more about what is being offered to farmers. Discussions were also had with various ISA Board of Directors to gain a farmer-leader perspective on the issue.

From these discussions and research conducted, three educational articles were written for Field Advisor. Articles covered topics spanning from why carbon markets were developed, to components of carbon market programs to carbon intensity scores.

A carbon market survey was also developed to gain insight into farmer participation, interest and questions around the issue. The survey is still open for those interested in providing feedback.

Ultimately, all of this work is being conducted to help ISA develop an internal policy around carbon markets. This will in-turn advise how ISA should navigate the landscape and better advocate for farmers’ interest—from a government relations, agronomic, market development and corporate partners perspective.

“Because farmers may be frequently solicited by carbon market-related companies, it’s important for ISA to have an understanding of what these companies are asking, how they benefit famers and how farmers feel about them,” said Andrew Larson, ISA Director of Government Relations and Strategy.

Politically speaking, carbon markets are in an evolving landscape as different administrations come and go from the White House. But while the politics, funding and terminology around them may change, the core ideas of paying farmers for implementing certain practices or paying farmers for achieving certain outcomes, remain.

Knowing this, ISA will continue to engage on the issue of carbon markets and stay apprised of the landscape on behalf of the 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois.