Key Takeaways:
- Organic Valley has initiated the first agreements and payments in its Carbon Insetting Program (OVCIP).
- The program builds on University of Wisconsin-Madison research showing low on-farm milk emissions.
- OVCIP is the first in its category to offer comprehensive support from project selection to funding.
- The program includes diverse on-farm carbon reduction projects like tree planting and renewable energy installations.
- Organic Valley’s approach is distinguished by direct involvement and traceability in carbon insertion.
Organic Valley Initiated The First Agreement & Payment In Its Carbon Insetting Program
Organic Valley’s Step Forward in Reducing Carbon Footprint:
Organic Valley, the nation’s largest cooperative of organic farmers, has announced the rollout of the first agreements and payments to farmers participating in its Carbon Insetting Program (OVCIP). This initiative is a significant step in enhancing the environmental sustainability of organic farming practices.
Research-Driven Initiative:
The cooperative’s move is underpinned by research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, published in the Journal for Cleaner Production. This study highlighted that Organic Valley’s average on-farm milk emissions were among the lowest in the nation, propelling the cooperative to improve its milk’s carbon footprint further.
Comprehensive Program Structure:
Unique in its field, OVCIP provides end-to-end support, setting it apart from other initiatives in the industry. This includes selecting and scoping region-specific projects, verification, and funding support for practice implementation on eligible member-owner farms. The program’s comprehensive nature reflects a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and farmer support.
Diverse Project Portfolio:
The initial phase of OVCIP includes a variety of on-farm projects across different regions. These projects range from planting trees in actively grazed pastures and installing renewable energy systems to upgrading manure management technology and introducing enteric-reducing feed supplements.
Industry Leadership and Farmer Involvement:
Organic Valley’s leadership in carbon insetting was highlighted during the “Carbon Insetting is the New Offsetting” session at the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Dairy Forum in Phoenix. Nicole Rakobitsch, Director of Sustainability at Organic Valley, elaborated on how the cooperative is turning this concept into a practical reality. The program’s direct involvement and transparency make it a pioneering and traceable model in agricultural carbon insetting.
Farmer Perspectives:
Chris Wilson, an Organic Valley dairy farmer from Wisconsin, expressed the cooperative’s philosophy of producing good food while maintaining an environmentally sustainable approach. The focus is on finding ways to sequester carbon, promote healthy soil, and, in turn, support the production of high-quality milk.
Organic Valley Latest News
Expands Carbon Insetting Program with USDA Grant & Industry Support (2023/09/07)
Organic Valley has launched the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program (OVCIP) in collaboration with 15 technical partners to combat climate change by reducing on-farm emissions and focusing on carbon sequestration. The program has already received recognition and is set to double in size thanks to a U.S. Department of Agriculture Climate-Smart Commodities grant. It aims to expand grazing areas, encourage agroforestry practices, and reduce methane through enteric feed supplements and changes in manure management. The program is led by Organic Valley’s director of sustainability, Nicole Rakobitsch, who emphasizes the program’s groundbreaking approach. The cooperative is also the exclusive food program partner for Climate Week NYC.
Recognized in 2023 World-Changing Ideas (2023/05/03)
Fast Company announced its annual World Changing Ideas Awards for 2023, recognizing trailblazing initiatives around the globe. Among the 2,200 entries, Organic Valley’s groundbreaking carbon insetting program secured a place as a finalist and received two honorable mentions.
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