New Panel Aims to Expand Access to Voluntary Environmental Credit Markets and Carbon Income Opportunities.

On January 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 36 individuals to the newly formed Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third Party Verifier Program Advisory Council, an entity also referred to as the Growing Climate Solutions Act Advisory Council.

The council’s primary role is to support farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners especially beginning, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and veteran farmers in taking part in voluntary environmental credit markets that reward actions preventing, reducing, or mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

This development marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the Growing Climate Solutions Act, as it aims to open new revenue streams for the agricultural sector through carbon markets, streamline participation, and ensure that underserved farming communities are not left behind.

According to the press release, the council will periodically review and recommend updates to the protocols recognized by the program for generating environmental credits.

Members will also look into the qualifications required for entities that provide technical assistance, offering guidance to those who help landowners learn how to adopt and maintain practices that reduce emissions.

One objective is to increase consistency, reliability, and transparency in these emerging markets while simplifying procedures that often deter those trying to access carbon or other environmental credits.

The USDA indicates that the council’s support should ease the complexity involved in quantifying greenhouse gas reductions, thus lowering barriers for land managers who wish to benefit financially from sustainable land use decisions.

“The representatives appointed to this council provide a robust cross section of knowledge and experience to help farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners understand how to use science based practices to reduce emissions, sequester carbon on their land and access new income streams through carbon markets.”

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Recognizing that existing challenges particularly for smaller, newer, or resource constrained operators have kept many producers from participating in environmental credit programs, the council’s composition reflects a broad range of expertise and perspectives.

As stated in the report, the group will ensure that voluntary carbon markets continue developing in a manner that is both equitable and grounded in science.

In addition to reviewing protocols, the council will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on current methods used in voluntary environmental credit markets to quantify and verify greenhouse gas emission reductions.

By bringing together participants who understand the logistical, financial, and scientific components of carbon markets, the council can identify ways to reduce up front costs, simplify verification processes, and clarify eligibility requirements.

“The council is key in helping reduce barriers that have hindered the participation of agriculture in voluntary carbon markets and their efforts will ensure consistency, reliability, effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency in these markets,” Vilsack said.

The hope is that by fostering robust guidelines and best practices, agricultural producers large and small will gain the confidence to invest in climate smart agriculture.

Under the guidance of this advisory body, the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third Party Verifier Program will explore options to minimize financial risks for farmers and ranchers, promote technological innovations, and encourage environmentally responsible farming methods.

The diverse membership is expected to draw from various fields, including climate science, agronomy, forestry, finance, technology, and policy.

This structure is intended to provide a holistic view of the intricate steps needed to turn environmental stewardship into tangible financial rewards.

The council’s responsibilities also involve collaborating with the USDA to develop assessments of how the program is faring and what modifications might be necessary over time.

It will create an initial report for Congress about the effectiveness of the program in spurring climate-friendly practices.

Afterward, the council will continue consulting with the Secretary on periodic reviews, making sure the program adapts to ongoing developments in climate science, agricultural policy, and market conditions.

By doing so, members hope to keep pace with both environmental requirements and the economic realities faced by those who cultivate the nation’s food supply.

Although the newly appointed members come from a wide array of backgrounds, they share the common objective of bringing climate focused solutions to the forefront of American agriculture.

Their collective expertise in land management, carbon sequestration, and environmental markets underpins the council’s ability to craft targeted recommendations that align with real world conditions.