April 22, 2008

LANSING - As part of Earth Day, the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) celebrates its partnership with the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts and other agriculture advocates. The partnership, known as the Michigan Conservation and Climate Initiative (MCCI), has reduced carbon emissions through the implementation of various conservation practices and generated revenue through the sale of carbon credits for Michigan farmers.

“Many Michigan farmers and landowners already incorporate sound conservation practices into their daily farm management,” said Don Koivisto, MDA director. “By practicing conservation tillage or planting grasses and trees, farmers and landowners are sequestering or holding carbon in the soil, and in turn, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.”

In March 2008, 30,000 metric tons of carbon credits were purchased for $4 a credit, generating $107,618 for Michigan landowners involved in the MCCI. In addition, Michigan State University (MSU) recently purchased 15,000 metric tons of carbon credits from the program to meet its requirements as a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), which is a member-based market comprised of large companies including Dow, Ford, and MSU.

The MCCI promotes carbon sequestration rather than the release of carbon into the atmosphere. Conservation practices generate carbon credits which are translated into dollars when landowners enroll in the MCCI program. This allows the Delta Institute to sell the credits on the CCX, a member-based market, to help generate additional revenue for Michigan’s agriculture community.

“In addition to generating revenue for landowners, the measure improves the state’s water quality and wildlife habitat,” said Koivisto. “It’s a win for Michigan’s farmers and it’s a win for the state’s natural resources.”

For additional information on carbon credits visit www.michiganclimate.org.