As the world begins to recognize the role livestock can play as a climate solution versus a climate culprit, the industry is creating goals and building a path to make a positive impact. One of the most significant obstacles: Creating economic sustainability for environmental solutions.
An exclusive dialogue, presented by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) and Agri-Pulse, will bring together industry, government and non-profit organizations to discuss solutions that can accelerate progress across the livestock value chain, including the development of the first-of-its-kind livestock carbon credit marketplace. The event, “New horizons for the agricultural carbon market,” will take place in Washington, D.C., and virtually on Sept. 13 from 9:30-12 p.m. ET.
“New innovations are needed for voluntary carbon solutions that will also meet food security and nutrition goals,” says Agri-Pulse Editor Sara Wyant. “This will be a great opportunity to discuss what each area of the value chain needs—from NGOs to farmers and ranchers to innovators and policy makers—in order to address and make progress together.”
Other agriculture sectors, such as the crop industry, have already successfully participated in carbon markets, but the livestock sector has had limited options, until now. Experts expect the voluntary carbon market to grow from $2 billion in 2021 to $10-40 billion by 2030.
“Through a new generation of agricultural carbon credits, we can generate long-term value for both producers and the climate,” says Lesley Jantarasami, BPC Energy Program managing director. “Market integrity will be crucial for both supplier and buyer confidence in these credits, and that’s where policy can step in and play a role.”
Agricultural carbon credits today comprise only about 1% of all carbon credits issued, but innovations to reduce livestock enteric methane emissions are poised to substantially grow this market segment. This represents a crucial opportunity to channel private finance toward much-needed climate solutions, but policymakers and market participants must work together to ensure that carbon credits represent real, verifiable climate benefits and boost confidence in credit quality.
The event will feature three expert panels on carbon market integrity, livestock-specific carbon credit considerations and the intersection of policy and market-based climate solutions. Invited speakers include but are not limited to:
- Robert Bonnie, undersecretary for farm production and conservation, USDA
- Dan Glickman, former Agriculture Secretary, BPC Farm And Forest Carbon Solutions Task Force
- Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.
- Chuck Conner, president and CEO, National Council of Farm Cooperatives
- Paul Myer, CEO and founder, Athian
- Jeff Simmons, president and CEO, Elanco Animal Health
- Suzy Friedman, senior director of food policy, World Wildlife Fund
- Thomas Blackburn, head of business development and partnerships, SustainCERT
- Darrin Monteiro, vice president of sustainability, California Dairies, Inc.
- Michael Boccadoro, Executive Director, Dairy Cares
- Daniel Peerless, Director, Diverse and Sustainable Sourcing, Nestle
“I’ve seen firsthand the impact that happens when the full value chain, including government, comes together to meet a common goal,” says Dan Glickman, former Agriculture Secretary, BPC Farm and Forest Carbon Solutions Task Force. “By bringing together these voices on this important topic, we can begin working together in a way that transcends political and business interests by taking immediate action that collectively addresses food security, nutrition issues and environmental sustainability.”
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Limited seats are available for in-person participation at the BPC in Washington, D.C., but virtual participation is also available. Registration is available here.
“Livestock is part of the solution to solving the world’s most pressing challenges from food security to reducing climate warming. Climate neutral cattle farms can be a reality this decade. But to do this, we must empower our farmers and ranchers with innovation and tools while also creating a more accessible and sustainable carbon marketplace that drives real value back to them as they make a difference on these societal issues,” says Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health.
Join us and be part of the conversation. To register, click here.
About Agri-Pulse: Agri-Pulse Communications is the most trusted source for farm and rural policy information. With offices in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, Calif., and Camdenton, Mo. we provide a balanced perspective on a wide variety of issues including the farm bill, nutrition, trade, labor, food safety, water, environment, biotechnology, organic, conservation and crop insurance. Agri-Pulse publishes a subscription-only e-newsletter, the Agri-Pulse Daily Harvest early morning news summary, Agri-Pulse Daybreak, Agri-Pulse DriveTime podcast, Agri-Pulse Newsmakers and breaking news on www.Agri-Pulse.com.
About BPC: The Bipartisan Policy Center is a nonprofit organization helping policymakers work across party lines to craft bipartisan solutions. By connecting Republicans and Democrats, delivering data and context, negotiating public policy, and creating space for bipartisan collaboration, BPC helps turn legislators’ best ideas into durable laws. Since 2007, BPC has helped shepherd countless bills across the finish line.
