Crops Carbon Markets Truterra's carbon program Truterra launched its carbon program in 2021 with a focus on delivering high-quality field-level data, supporting science-based measurement and verification, and advancing transparency. By Chelsea Dinterman Chelsea Dinterman Chelsea Dinterman grew up in rural Maryland where she was active in 4-H and FFA. She spent a year working for an agricultural newspaper in Southeast Kansas before joining the Successful Farming agronomy team in January 2022. Successful Farming's Editorial Guidelines Published on June 10, 2023 Close Truterra launched its carbon program in February 2021 with a focus on delivering high-quality field-level data, supporting science-based measurement and verification, and advancing industry-leading transparency. About Truterra's carbon program: Average payment per participating farmer of $20,000 in 2021 Two enrollment options 2022 Truterra carbon program: for farmers who adopted selected regenerative practices to benefit crop year 2019 and later Truterra carbon market access program: for farmers who just began selected conservation practices (fall 2021 and later) Accepts complete no-till, strip-till, reduced-till, and continuous soil cover Minimum five-year commitment Farmers maintain ownership and options with their carbon rights Payment in full after successful verification Program differentiators Truterra aims to offer a farmer-centric, retail-driven program. The company offers payments based on actual carbon stored rather than a set per acre payment. There is no data collection or verification cost for farmers, and contracts are short term and flexible. Participating farmers get access to the Truterra Sustainability Tool and agronomic support from trusted advisers in the Land O'Lakes network. "The program is designed to help farmers make the best decisions for them and their farm business and support their adoption of soil health systems on crop fields for current and future carbon market participation," says Tom Ryan, Truterra president. Meet a carbon farmer Photo: Kelly Garrett, courtesy of Truterra "I chose Truterra's carbon program, supported by the vast network and resources of Land O'Lakes, because of its emphasis on keeping farmers first," says sixth-generation farmer and founder of XtremeAg Kelly Garrett, who practices no-till and cover crops on his farm in Arion, Iowa. "The program's seamless and easy-to-use experience, ability to track and predict sustainability strategies on a field-by-field basis, and support for maintaining excellent soil health made participation in this carbon market the right decision for my family's farm business," he adds. By the numbers Truterra's 2021 program sequestered over 200,000 metric tons of carbon, resulting in more than $4 million in payments. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit