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Carbon Credit Program could mean more money for Montana farmers |
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Wednesday, 06 August 2008 |
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Page 1 of 2 By Adam Jerome, I-O Assistant Editor
 CARBON CREDITS – Dutton area farmer Chad Doheny (L) receives a ceremonial check for $551,000 from Jim Sargent, MFU Membership Director, on Tuesday. It represents what Montana farmers earned for carbon credits. The $551,000 was distributed to over 100 Montana farmers. I-O Photo by Adam Jerome
With environmental concerns growing, the United States has begun to look at ways to reduce emissions. The Carbon Credit Program is just one possible option. This is a win, win situation for the economy and the environment.
The Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) has started to register and sell the carbon credits produced by enrolled acreage. To date, over 2.8 million acres have been enrolled nationwide, earning over $8 million for the landowners. Montana alone has the third largest number of acres in the nation enrolled in the voluntary program. More than 100 Montanan farmers and ranchers have made over $551,000 by being enrolled in the program.
When farmers and ranchers have large grass stands either through range lands or the CRP program, large scale photosynthesis takes place. Photosynthesis is the process in which plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen. Plants take this carbon dioxide and store it in their roots and soil.
When farmers till up this soil, it releases the carbon dioxide into the atmosphere producing green house gases. While this is a natural process, it does add to the growing emission concerns.
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