The USDA is looking to create a set of pilot projects that provides incentives to implement climate smart conservation practices on working lands and to quantify and monitor the carbon and greenhouse gases associated with those practices. The pilot projects could even expand or develop new and additional markets. Project proposals are slated to be reviewed in early 2022.
USDA is seeking public comment and input on these new initiatives through midnight (EST) on Nov. 1, 2021. Growers looking to provide input should look for the Federal Register, Docket ID USDA-2021-0010. USDA is specifically seeking input on:
- Current state of climate-smart commodity markets
- Systems for quantification
- Options and criteria for evaluation
- Use of information collected
- Potential protocols
- Options for review and verification
- Inclusion of historically underserved communities
