How it works

Farmers Union's Carbon Credit Program allows ag producers and landowners to earn income by storing carbon in their soil through no-till crop production, long term grass seeding practices, native rangeland enhancement, forestry, and methane capture projects.

Ag producers, landowners - Lands that qualify presently are limited to the north eastern top of the state and the eastern half of the state. Areas of interest include: Long term grass seeding - land seeded with grasses since January 1 1999, CRP lands seeded since 1/1/99, grass cannot be tilled, comit to grass coverage for 5 years, must be FSA approved cropland, carbon credits will be earned at a rate of .4 to 1.0 metric tons per acre per year. Conservation tillage - producers commit to continious conservation tillage for 5 years as defined by NRCS, 2.-.6 tons per year. Rangeland practices - Prescribed grazing systems, which include moderate or light stocking rates, rotational grazing, .12-.52 credits per year.

The NMSU Seed Certification Program will oversee compliance with guidelines and regulations of the Carbon Credit Program with annual spot checks. Interested parties can visit www.carboncredit.ndfu.org

Call Tracey Carrillo 575-646-4125