DEKALB, Ill. – The adoption of practices like no-till, cover crops, pasture management, and agroforestry can sequester carbon in the soil and reduce greenhouse gases. Farmers utilizing these practices have multiple, new, opportunities to be financially rewarded for carbon and other ecosystem services.

The Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Partnership is holding a free online webinar from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. CST Friday, Feb. 12 exploring environmental and carbon market opportunities for Midwest farmers. This event brings four prominent carbon markets to one table: Indigo Ag, Nori, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, providing farmers a side-by-side comparison of opportunities.

University of Illinois Extension is partnering with ISAP and 19 organizations from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

 “It is exciting to see all of these groups working together to empower farmers to be informed decision makers,” says Sarah Carlson, strategic initiatives director for Practical Farmers of Iowa.

“We’ve seen growing interest in eco-markets," says Jean Brokish, American Farmland Trust and ISAP program manager. “We hope this webinar will bring some transparency to the opportunities available for Midwest farmers.” 

Presentations will provide straightforward and practical information on program enrollment from start to finish, highlighting key contracting terms and conditions, payment schedules, and verification requirements. Participants may submit questions.

Learn more and register at the Illinois Sustainable Ag website. If you have questions or need assistance with registering, please send email inquiries to ilsustainableag@gmail.com.  

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