Carbon credits have been attracting fresh headlines and capturing the attention of more farmers than ever over the past year. But the history of carbon credits may be much older than you realize.
Arguably, the practice started as far back as 1988, when the World Resources Institute oversaw the first land-based carbon offset scheme as a philanthropic exercise.
It’s been a slow burn ever since, and the ag industry has been targeted in the ensuing decades as one of the best ways to offset carbon emissions through practices such as cover crops, no-till and much more.
“I’ve always been interested,” says Colorado farmer Scott Scheimer. “I’ve researched, interviewed and pursued most who offer it.”
And his efforts to join carbon programs have had mixed results, but he hasn’t regretted the journey.