Organic valley's new initiative rewards climate-smart farming

By: Farms.com 

Organic Valley, a leading cooperative, has taken a significant step in sustainable agriculture by starting an in-house carbon insetting program. This initiative is designed to pay dairy farmers for adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, effectively reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental stewardship. 

The program, which officially launched on Monday, provides participating farmers with both technical support to transition to regenerative farming and financial compensation for each metric ton of carbon saved. Organic Valley has set ambitious goals for this program, aiming to enroll 500 farms and implement approximately 1,200 regenerative practices over the next five years. 

Unique in its approach, Organic Valley is managing the carbon credit program internally, rather than relying on third-party intermediaries.  

This decision not only fosters greater transparency within its supply chain but also allows the co-op to deepen its relationship with its farmers, encouraging them to embrace regenerative practices. 

The program's support extends beyond financial payments. It includes comprehensive assistance in implementing regenerative practices, ranging from project selection to the application of renewable energy installations, tree planting, manure management technology upgrades, and the use of feed supplements to mitigate methane emissions from cattle. 

Organic Valley's CEO, Jeff Frank, emphasizes that the program is more than just financial incentives; it’s about making a tangible impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and offering customers climate-friendly dairy options. This innovative approach not only benefits the environment but also supports farmers in their journey towards more sustainable and responsible farming practices.