Key Takeaways
- Perdue AgriBusiness enters into a carbon insetting agreement with climate tech company Eion.
- The partnership will remove an estimated 3,500 metric tons of CO₂ using enhanced rock weathering (ERW).
- Olivine mineral replaces traditional lime and supports soil health at a lower cost.
- This initiative represents one of the first supply chain-integrated ERW applications.
- The effort aligns with Perdue AgriBusiness’ broader sustainability goals in the Chesapeake Bay region.
Overview of the Agreement Between Perdue AgriBusiness & Eion
Perdue AgriBusiness, a subsidiary of Perdue Farms, has entered into a carbon insetting agreement with Eion, a company focused on commercializing enhanced rock weathering (ERW) as a climate solution. The agreement will enable grain farmers in the Mid-Atlantic to use olivine, a naturally occurring mineral, to improve soil quality while sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Approximately 3,500 tons of CO₂ are expected to be removed as part of this initiative, marking a milestone in applying ERW within a corporate supply chain.
Understanding Enhanced Rock Weathering
What Is ERW?
Enhanced rock weathering accelerates a natural process in which minerals react with atmospheric CO₂ and convert it into stable bicarbonates. Eion’s method focuses on applying olivine to agricultural land, which enhances soil conditions and sequesters carbon over a period of years.
Why Use Olivine?
Olivine is approved for agricultural use and contains traceable elements that help verify carbon removal. According to Eion, this mineral performs similarly to agricultural lime but offers improved carbon benefits and long-term soil impact.
Objectives of the Perdue AgriBusiness Partnership
Focus on Supply Chain Integration
The partnership represents a shift from traditional carbon offsetting to insetting—embedding climate action directly into a company’s operations. For Perdue AgriBusiness, this approach integrates sustainability into its grain production activities, offering both environmental and agronomic benefits.
Supporting Growers and Soil Health
In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the olivine application is intended to improve soil health and reduce input costs for farmers. The mineral’s composition also contributes to nutrient availability and long-term land productivity.
Aligning with Perdue’s Sustainability Goals
Perdue AgriBusiness’ Broader Environmental Strategy
Founded over a century ago, Perdue AgriBusiness launched its Perdue Sustainability Program in 2021, focusing on soil conservation, water resource management, and sustainable agriculture in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Enhanced rock weathering complements existing conservation efforts by offering a nature-based solution that integrates into standard farming practices.
Market Trends and Implications
Insetting and the Voluntary Carbon Market
The agreement with Eion reflects broader trends in the voluntary carbon market, where companies are seeking measurable, supply chain-specific solutions. Unlike offsetting, which involves purchasing external credits, insetting links carbon reduction to a company’s direct operations.
Eion’s CEO, Anastasia Pavlovic, stated that insetting offers opportunities for scalability and supply chain alignment. “We see a massive opportunity for ERW to easily incorporate within the agricultural supply chain for the long haul,” she said.
Industry Perspective
Commentary from Perdue AgriBusiness
“At Perdue AgriBusiness, we’re always looking for innovative, science-backed solutions that support our farmers and reduce our environmental impact,” said Perry Aulie, President at Perdue AgriBusiness. “Partnering with Eion allows us to integrate carbon removal directly into our supply chain—enhancing soil health, supporting our growers, and advancing our commitment to a more sustainable future.”
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