We took an existing tool called the Century Model and applied it statewide. We then refined the data and took a more local approach to get more specific results using local district commissioners, districts, and locals within the areas. The economic benefit to producers in the climate change arena is that companies are willing to pay for carbon credits, and in many cases they are already paying. This is a role for conservation districts. They can help put a good benchmarking system in place.
Producers earn carbon credits by the amount of their carbon sequestration.
Climate change due to atmospheric gases is certainly not simply an agricultural problem. It is a global environmental issue. However the agricultural communities can benefit greatly economically as well as emerge as leaders in the enhancement of air quality within a relatively short amount of time. We can start next year versus other industries that may take several years of research to develop recommendations. We are at an advantage because we are dealing with practices that are already tested and in place.