California Approves First Crop-Based Carbon Standards for Agriculture

(SACRAMENTO – June 26, 2015) The California Air Resources Board (ARB) approved a new protocol for rice growers yesterday, representing the first-ever crop-based carbon standards in a compliance market. EDF worked closely with ARB and USDA to develop the protocol, which allows rice farmers to earn extra revenue for reducing methane emissions in their operations.  The protocol focuses on working lands conservation while also ensuring that migratory bird habitat is protected.

The following is a statement from Robert Parkhurst, Agriculture Greenhouse Gas Markets Director, Environmental Defense Fund:

“This is a huge milestone for agriculture, a win for farmers and the environment. Rice growers can now generate additional sources of revenue without sacrificing yields, and the conservation measures they implement will reduce methane emissions and protect important wildlife habitat.

The even bigger news is that rice is a gateway protocol. The doors are now open for development of other agricultural standards that will pay farmers for reducing emissions.

With this precedent, the ARB can proceed with a nutrient management protocol to reduce nitrous oxide emissions from fertilizer. This effort would apply to more than 400 million acres of cropland across the U.S. and contribute to millions of tons of greenhouse gas reductions while protecting or even increasing farmers’ yields.”