Key Takeaways
- Orbia Netafim has partnered with Virridy to launch a carbon credit program in Turkey focused on alfalfa, corn, and sugar beet farms.
- The initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 3.5 CO₂e tons per hectare per year through precision irrigation and digital farming solutions.
- The program builds on Orbia Netafim’s past carbon credit successes, including the first-ever drip-irrigated rice program, launched in 2022.
- Farmers benefit from improved water efficiency, reduced input costs, and additional revenue streams through carbon credits.
- The program is expected to expand within Turkey and potentially into other irrigated regions worldwide.
Orbia Netafim Expands Carbon Credit Efforts with New Program in Turkey
Orbia Netafim, the global leader in precision irrigation technology, has announced a new carbon credit program in Turkey in collaboration with Virridy, a company specializing in environmental technology and water-focused carbon finance.
The program begins with over 1,000 hectares of farmland, focusing on alfalfa, corn, and sugar beet crops. By implementing precision irrigation and automation technologies, farmers are expected to reduce at least 3.5 CO₂e tons per hectare per year, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved resource efficiency.
According to Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions at Orbia Precision Agriculture (Netafim): “Following Orbia Netafim’s leadership in the carbon space in recent years, we are thrilled to take the next step with this new carbon credit initiative in Turkey and further explore additional countries where this concept may create a meaningful impact. The partnership with Virridy reinforces our commitment toward advancing sustainable agriculture globally.”
Carbon Credits and Precision Irrigation: A Sustainable Model
The carbon credit program encourages farmers to adopt precision irrigation, digital farming, and automation solutions that:
- Reduce water usage while maintaining or increasing crop yields.
- Lower fertilizer and energy consumption, leading to cost savings.
- Improve carbon sequestration by optimizing resource efficiency.
This initiative builds upon Orbia Netafim’s existing carbon programs, including its 2022 drip-irrigated rice project, which cut methane emissions nearly to zero while conserving water, energy, and fertilizers.
Evan Thomas, CEO of Virridy, highlighted the potential impact of the collaboration: “Orbia Netafim’s leadership in precision irrigation has already delivered significant environmental and economic benefits. We are excited to create a new pathway for farmers to improve water efficiency, reduce emissions, and generate additional revenue utilizing carbon credits.”
Scaling Sustainable Agriculture Through Carbon Finance
Virridy will lead the carbon credit generation process using its Digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (DMRV) technology to measure water and climate benefits. These credits can be traded, allowing businesses to offset their carbon footprint while providing farmers with a financial incentive for adopting sustainable practices.
Orbia Netafim’s agronomic expertise ensures that farmers can achieve higher yields while minimizing their environmental impact. In previous programs, participating farmers saw:
- A 25% increase in yield.
- Improved water efficiency.
- Reduced fertilizer use.
The first phase of the program is set for 2025, with plans to scale further within Turkey and expand into additional countries where similar irrigated farming regions could benefit from the carbon finance model.
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