Partnerships Sustainable Agriculture

Indigo Ag Announces Microsoft Purchase of 60,000 Soil Carbon Credits from Latest Issuance

Indigo Ag and Google have launched a regenerative agriculture initiative to replenish nearly 1.5 billion gallons of water over the next seven years.

Key Takeaways

  • Indigo has confirmed that Microsoft has purchased 60,000 soil carbon credits from its most recent carbon crop, issued in April by the Climate Action Reserve.
  • This follows a previous transaction of 40,000 credits by Microsoft in 2023, as part of its broader portfolio of carbon removal initiatives.
  • Indigo’s program reports a cumulative impact of nearly 1 million tonnes of CO₂ reductions and over 64 billion gallons of surface water runoff avoided.
  • The program directs 75% of carbon credit revenues to participating farmers who adopt regenerative practices.
  • Other recent buyers of Indigo-issued credits include HubSpot, which made its purchase via Watershed.

Microsoft Expands Soil Carbon Credit Purchases Through Indigo Ag’s Program

Indigo has announced a new transaction with Microsoft for 60,000 soil carbon credits, representing a continuation of Microsoft’s involvement in soil-based carbon removal projects. The credits were issued in April 2024 and validated by the Climate Action Reserve, a recognized carbon offset registry.

This purchase brings Microsoft’s total volume from Indigo to 100,000 credits, following its initial acquisition in 2023.


Indigo Program Focuses on Soil Carbon Sequestration and Regenerative Agriculture

Indigo’s carbon program incentivizes regenerative agriculture practices that aim to enhance soil organic carbon levels. According to Indigo, its measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) system is based on peer-reviewed science and registry requirements designed to ensure durability and credibility of carbon sequestration outcomes.

The company reports that:

  • Nearly 1 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent have been sequestered or avoided
  • 64 billion gallons of surface runoff have been reduced
  • Tens of millions of dollars have been distributed to growers through carbon credit revenue

The company’s standard model allocates 75% of the value of carbon credit sales directly to farmers.


Microsoft Cites Carbon Credit Quality and Verification Standards

Microsoft noted that the decision to expand its carbon removal purchases through Indigo is based on internal review and alignment with its climate strategy.

“We conduct extensive due diligence when choosing projects for our portfolio,” said Brian Marrs, Senior Director of Energy and Carbon Removal at Microsoft. “We are pleased to support this project as part of Microsoft’s broader portfolio of high-quality carbon removal solutions.”

According to Microsoft, the project contributes to soil health, watershed protection, and rural development, while aligning with the company’s broader environmental objectives.


Additional Buyers Participate in Indigo’s Recent Credit Issuance

In addition to Microsoft, Indigo confirmed that HubSpot purchased credits from its latest carbon crop via the Watershed platform. Watershed facilitates carbon measurement and procurement for corporate clients seeking verified emissions reductions or removals.

This indicates ongoing interest in soil-based carbon solutions among private sector actors, particularly as demand for verified carbon removal options continues to grow.


Indigo Ag Program Expands Scope and Engagement with Growers

Indigo’s carbon initiative spans 20 million acres across 15 countries and includes a network of farmers engaged in regenerative agricultural practices. The company states that its approach is designed to support both environmental outcomes and farmer participation through financial incentives tied to measurable performance.

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