Key Takeaways:
- Truterra’s carbon program has paid over $21 million to farmers for carbon sequestration.
- The program has sequestered and reduced over 1.1 million metric tons of carbon in three years.
- Significant growth in enrolled acres: 99% increase in 2023 and 151% increase in 2022.
- Farmer participation grew by 58% in 2023 compared to 2022.
- Truterra’s approach integrates agronomics and economics to drive sustainable practices.
Truterra’s Carbon Program: A Milestone Reached
Truterra, a prominent agricultural sustainability business, has announced a major milestone in its carbon program. Within its first three years, it paid over $21 million to farmers for their efforts in sequestering and reducing over 1.1 million metric tons of carbon. This initiative highlights Truterra’s commitment to sustainability and its role in promoting environmentally friendly practices in the agricultural sector.
Rapid Growth in Enrollment and Participation
The Truterra® carbon program has witnessed impressive growth in the total acres enrolled. In 2023, the program saw a 99% increase in enrolled acres compared to 2022, which itself had a 151% increase from 2021. This rapid expansion underscores the program’s effectiveness and attractiveness to farmers seeking to adopt sustainable practices.
“Our carbon program is gaining momentum as a leader among farmers and retailers. Our differentiated approach matches agronomics with economics to help farmers make sustainable practice changes,” said Jamie Leifker, President of Truterra. “What’s more, these carbon assets could help organizations with sustainability goals who choose to make agriculture part of their toolkit of solutions. Truterra will continue to focus on creating new markets for farmers and retailers while helping them make the best agronomic, economic, and sustainable decisions for their operations.”
Increased Farmer Participation
The program’s success is also evident in the rising number of participating farmers. In 2023, farmer participation grew by 58% compared to 2022, indicating strong trust and interest in the benefits offered by the Truterra carbon program.
Kelly Garrett, a farmer enrolled in the program, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “In many ways, we’re returning to the way that my grandfather or my great-grandfather would have farmed, but with new technology and new metrics. Through the Truterra carbon program, we change some of our cover crop mixes, and I believe that higher yields will come from it. I’m looking at the big picture to secure the best for my farm and the best for my family. And I’m very proud that Truterra’s carbon program goes hand in hand with it.”
Truterra’s Farmer-Centric Approach
As a subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, Inc.’s century-old farmer-owned cooperative, Truterra places farmers at the heart of its operations. The Truterra® carbon program is facilitated through a network of local ag retail advisors who work closely with farmers to optimize decisions for their fields. This approach ensures farmers maximize their earning potential based on actual carbon storage rather than a fixed per-acre payment.
Truterra’s efforts create new opportunities for farmers and retailers, helping them make sustainable and economically sound decisions. By integrating agronomics with economics, Truterra sets a precedent in the agricultural industry, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
Image provided by Truterra
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