Ag Opportunities Volume 18, Number 8 August 2007 Carbon Credits - What You Should Know by Hank Stelzer State Forestry Specialist University of Missouri The significant concern over global warming has sparked the development of many initiatives. Across the country, the federal government, state or local governments, NGO's, not-for-profit organizations, and private enterprises have worked to develop various greenhouse gas registries, cap and trade programs, and other market mechanisms. Without over-arching requirements such as the UN Kyoto protocol or federal regulation, most of these initiatives have been developed independently of one another, resulting in differing ideologies, policies, and program requirements. Some of the more prevalent of these initiatives include the U.S. DOE 1605b program (registry), the California Climate Action Registry (CCAR), the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). Registries provide entities with the means by which to calculate, track, and report changes in greenhouse gas emissions or increases in carbon storage over time. These bodies establish the technical accounting rules that standardize greenhouse gas and carbon accounting and ensure consistency in all participant accounting systems. Carbon markets are a combination of the rules set from a registry and the platform on which carbon offset credits (usually metric tons of CO2 equivalent or "MtCO2e") are traded, or marketed to consumers. The Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), http://www.chicagoclimatex.com/, is the only open carbon credit market in North America and is currently trading emission offsets that can be gained through verified net increases in forest carbon stocks. At the present time only forestlands that have been planted since 1990 or reforested areas through natural regeneration qualify. But, efforts are underway to include natural forests that are being managed in a sustainable manner. Individual forestland owners gain access to the CCX through what are called carbon aggregators. These carbon aggregators are brokers who take care of enrolling your forestland in the program, ensure that your wooded acres conform to market standards, and that you accumulate (aggregate) enough acres to trade your stored carbon in large trading blocks. The aggregator charges a service fee (usually 10 percent, but this varies among aggregators) from the annual sale proceeds to cover administrative expenses associated with managing the program. There are currently 55 registered aggregators on the CCX and more are added each day. The entire process of finding and signing up forest carbon stocks has taken on a "land rush" mentality. If you are looking for an aggregator, or an aggregator contacts you, first and foremost make sure they are registered with the CCX (http://chicagoclimatex.com/content.jsf?id=64). If they are not, STOP! Do not pass "Go" because you could be entering into a legally-binding agreement with someone who has no access to only operating carbon exchange in the U.S. This could change over time if the U.S. signs the Kyoto protocol and international carbon exchanges start operating in this country. Of the 55 U.S. carbon aggregators, we are aware of five that are working with forestland owners either here in Missouri or nearby Midwestern states. The Delta Institute (http://www.p2e2center.org/) is working with public and private forestland owners in Illinois and Michigan. The Iowa Farm Bureau (http://www.iowafarmbureau.com/carbon/) is naturally helping landowners in Iowa. The North Dakota Farmers Union) http://carboncredit.ndfu.org/) is acting as the fiscal agent for sister farmer unions across the country. Forecon (http://www.foreconinc.com/ecomarket/) has offices in New York and Michigan. Lastly, there is Tatanka Resources here in Missouri. Tatanka has just recently been registered as an aggregator and is just beginning operations in the state. For more information, email Hank Stelzer at stelzerh@missouri.edu ********************************************************************** Edible landscapes look appealing and provide fresh, home-grown produce by Robert Thomas Information Specialist University of Missouri The idea of grocery shopping in your backyard may seem odd, but edible landscaping will allow you to do just that. "Edible landscaping uses food-producing plants, such as edible flowers, vegetables, herbs and fruit trees, in the creation of an attractive, man-made environment," said David Trinklein, University of Missouri horticulturist. "Edible landscaping is a lost art in the U.S. due, in part, to an abundance of food and the desire for a more ornate landscape. When properly done, you can enjoy an attractive landscape along with fresh and flavorful home-grown produce," he said. To get started, consider the space and conditions available. Certain environmental needs must be met. Most edible plants require about six to eight hours of sunshine each day, good soil, proper nutrients and water. Visually appealing edible plants include herbaceous species such as Swiss chard, cherry tomatoes, pepper, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, onions and most of the herbs, he said. Woody species include fruit trees; especially dwarf type, blueberries, blackberries and grapes. The idea is to incorporate these species into the landscape in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Flower beds and borders are ideal for incorporating plants such as lettuce, radish, Swiss chard or cabbage, he said. Containers filled with tomato or pepper plants can add to the décor of a patio or deck and provide tasty food. Fruit trees can be planted instead of small flowering trees. Blueberries can take the place of shrubs, and grapes can cover a trellis instead of more traditional vines. Edible landscapes tend to require a bit more maintenance than traditional ones to produce well. This may mean additional attention to watering, fertilizing, pruning and pest management. Always read and follow label directions, and never use a pesticide on edible landscape plants that is not safe to use on food crops, he said. If the soil is compact and drains poorly, adding organic matter can help. The addition of four inches of well-decomposed organic matter to such soils on a yearly basis is a good management practice. Source: David Trinklein, 573-882-9631 ********************************************************************** *** In Print/On-Line *** *Missouri Weeds* web site at http://plantsci.missouri.edu/weedscience/WeedScienceIDGuide.htm. This website can help farmers, gardeners and homeowners correctly identify weeds and then plan the correct control strategies. The Web site contains photographs of common MO weeds in various developmental stages, along with written descriptions. *Yellow Perch Culture Guide* This 84-page publication includes chapters that include, in part, yellow perch biology, brood fish management, fingerling culture, diseases, nutrition, and marketing. This publication is available as either a 3-hole punch document ($26) or as a CD ($15), which includes shipping and handling charges. To order: North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC), Iowa State University, Natural Resource Ecology & Management, 339 Science II, Ames Iowa 50011-3221, 515-294-5280, ncrac@iastate.edu For information on organic grain and hay prices go to: Upper Midwest Organic Grain and Feedstuff - http://marketnews.usda.gov/gear/browseby/txt/NW_GR113.TXT Eastern Cornbelt Organic Grain Feedstuff - http://marketnews.usda.gov/gear/browseby/txt/GX_GR120.TXT *HowToGoOrganic.com* is an online collection of existing resources for anyone exploring how to go organic. The Organic Trade Association is proud to offer this premier resource to help cultivate the growth of organic agriculture. *Rangeland Management Strategies* a free 16-page bulletin published by the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN), features innovative SARE-funded research on creating and sustaining a healthy range. Throughout, researchers and ranchers share goals and successes in winter and multi-species grazing, managing forage and other vegetation and protecting riparian areas. Available online at http://www.sare.org/publications/rangeland.htm. *Conserving Native Bees on Farmland* available online from Michigan State University at http://www.nativeplants.msu.edu/pdf/E2985ConservingNativeBees.pdf *Attracting Beneficial Insects with Native Flowering Plants* was written by Isaacs and Tuell, along with MSU entomology researchers Douglas Landis and Anna Fiedler. http://www.nativeplants.msu.edu/pdf/E2973.pdf. ********************************************************************** *** IN THE NEWS *** The National Farmers Union has earned approval from the Chicago Climate Exchange to aggregate carbon credits. Farmers Union will enroll producer acreages of carbon into blocks of credits that will be traded on the Exchange, much like other agricultural commodities are traded. To learn more about this program, visit: http://www.nfu.org/issues/environment/carbon-credits/. This site provides the information that you need about earning income from various conservation practices on your farm or ranch. Some of these practices you may be already doing, or you may be thinking of making some cropping or land use changes. In either case, the annual sale of carbon credits may bring additional dollars to your operation, and also help our environment. If you have questions about the program, please contact the Farmers' Union representatives whose contact information appears on the site. New use of rye for weed control in row-crop fields is on tap. Rye has long been rotated with other crops to reduce weeds. Researchers in Ill. seeded a field to rye in autumn, then packed it down with heavy rollers before planting soybeans. The matted rye blocks weeds without stunting the soybeans, giving organic and no-till farmers a way to raise nearly weedless soybean crops without resorting to herbicides. (Kiplinger Agriculture Letter, Vol 78 No 16) A long-term study by USDA's Agricultural Research Service shows that organic farming can build even more soil organic matter than no-till farming practices. The study showed that organic matter added by manure and cover crops more than offset any organic matter losses due to tillage to control weeds. The research is reported in the July 2007 issue of "Agricultural Research " magazine at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jul07/soil0707.htm USDA researchers have finalized an action plan for dealing with colony collapse disorder (CCD) of honey bees. The action plan coordinates the federal strategy in response to CCD. Four possible causes for CCD are identified in the plan: (1) new or reemerging pathogens, (2) new bee pests or parasites, (3) environmental and/or nutritional stress, or (4) pesticides. Research will focus on determining which of these factors are contributing causes of CCD, either individually or in combination. For more information go to http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2007/070713.htm ********************************************************************** *** ON THE CALENDAR *** Aug 7 - Northeast MO Vegetable Tour, Kirksville, MO. Call 660-665-9866. Aug 9-11 - Red Cedar-Challenge or Opportunity Workshop, Springfield, MO. Call 417-732-6485. Aug 9-19 - MO State Fair, Sedalia, MO. Aug 10 - From Recipe to Reality, Lincoln, NE. Call 402-472-2819 or jgifford1@unl.edu Aug 14 - Grant Writing III, Springfield, MO. Call 417-732-6485. Aug 16 - Farm Dreams: Assessing Risks and Resources to Start an Entrepreneurial Farm Business, Quincy, IL. Call 217-223-8380. Aug 17 - From Recipe to Reality Seminar, Chicago, IL. Call 402-472-2819. Aug 18 - Canine Care Workshop, Kirksville, MO. Call 573-751-4570. Aug 20 - Plant Micro-Nutrient Health Workshop, Springfield, IL. Call 217-498-9707. Aug 23-24 - Grazing School, Mexico, MO. Call 573-581-3231. Aug 25 - Canine Care Workshop, Springfield, MO. Call 573-751-4570. Aug 25 - 2007 MO Beef Tour, Brookfield, MO. Call 573-882-5479, weaberr@missouri.edu Sept 5 - Missouri Cut Flowers: From Field to Market, Mountain Grove, MO. Call 417-547.7533. Sept 6 - TomatoFest, Bradford Farm, Columbia, MO. Call 573-884-7945. Sept 7-9 - State Master Gardener Conference, Kirksville, MO. http://extension.missouri.edu/adair/MGConf/index.shtml Sept 11-12 - Cultured Dairy Products Short Course, Wisconsin. Call 608-263-1672. Sept 15 - Poultry Fest, Silex, MO. Call 573-581-7093 or 636-579-9391. Sept 15 - Basic Skills Workshop, Enid OK. Call 918-647-9123. Sept 22-23 - Annual Ozark Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Expo, Columbia, MO. www.ozarkre.org Oct 1-3 - 7th Annual BioCycle Conference on Renewable Energy From Organics Recycling, Indianapolis, IN. 610-967-4135. Oct 12-14 - 28th Annual Ozark Area Community Congress, Willow Springs, MO. Call 417-372-2479, www.ozarkareacommunitycongress.org Oct 13 - 5th Annual Chestnut Roast, New Franklin, MO. Call 573-882-3234. Oct 23-25 - Grazing School, Bois d' Arc, MO. Call 417-831-5246 x 3) Oct 29 - From Recipe to Reality, Lincoln, NE. Call 402-472-2819 or jgifford1@unl.edu Nov 1-3 - National Small Farm Today Conference and Trade Show, Columbia, MO. Call 800-633-2535. Nov 2-3 - MO State Beekeepers Assn Fall Meeting, Hannibal, MO. www.mostatebeekeepers.org Nov 3 - Putting Small Acreages to Work, Belleville, IL. Call 618-650-7050. Nov 17 - Small Farms Conference, Peoria, IL. Call 309-685-3140. Nov 29 - Tri-State Local Foods Conference (MO, IL, IA), Quincy, IL. Call 217-223-8380. Nov 30-Dec 1 - Livestock Symposium, Kirksville, MO. Jan 13-14 - Governor's Conference on Agriculture, St Louis, MO. Feb 2-4 - Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Tan-Tar-A. Call 1-800-392-WINE. University of Missouri Field Day Schedule Aug 2 - Greenley Research Center Field Day, Novelty, MO. Call 660-739-4410. Aug 25 - Integrated Bobwhite Quail Management in Modern Agriculture at Bradford Research Center, Columbia, MO. Call 573-884-7945. Aug 28 - Graves-Chapple Farm Field Day, Rock Port, MO. Call 660-744-6231. Aug 31 - Delta Research Center Field Day, Portageville, MO. Call 573-379-5431. Sept 5 - Hundley-Whaley Center Field Day, Albany, MO. Call 660-726-5610. Sept 6 - Tomato Festival at Bradford Research Center, Columbia, MO. Call 573-884-7945. Sept 11 - FFA Field Day at Bradford Research Center, Columbia, MO. Call 573-884-7945. Sept 13 - Ag Education Day at Southwest Center, Mt Vernon, MO. Call 417-466-2148. Sept 14 - Southwest Center Field Day, Mt Vernon, MO. Call 417-466-2148. Sept 15 - South Farm Beef Research and Teaching Farm Field Day, Columbia, MO. Call 573-882-4450. Oct 4 - Ag Sciences Day at Wurdack Farm, Cook Station, MO. Call 573-882-4450. Oct 13 - Chestnut Roast at Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center, New Franklin, MO. Call 573-882-3234. Green Hills Farm Project Farm Walks Green Hills Farm Project welcomes all families to our open farm walks. Always bring your children! Please call ahead to advise the host family of the number attending and to get directions. The host family provides main meat course and drinks. Please bring lawn chairs and covered dish. Come on out and join us for a great time of fellowship and sharing on our farms! August 16th - 5pm, Tom & Paula Parker, Richmond, MO, 816.470.3276. Using MiG (management-intensive grazing) techniques, the Parker's are successfully managing animals and land to produce great-tasting beef, lamb, hogs, and poultry which is marketed locally. September 20th - 5pm, Allen & Tauna Powell, Laclede, MO, 660-963-2685. Soil, water, and grass management with the use of MiG and animal impact. Cattle, sheep, pastured hens. Web site sales of beef, lamb, eggs, soap, raw wool, sheep pelts, wool products including blankets, batting, roving, socks are coming! Tours to the seed cleaning operation are available if there is interest. www.mastersranch.com or atpowell@mcmsys.com October 20th - Saturday, 11 am, Kerry & Barb Buchmayer, Purdin, MO 660.244.5858, Organic milk, butter, and eggs. Learn about managing soil and animals organically at Green Hills Harvest. Tours of the bottling plant available for those interested. www.ghharvest.com or ghharvest@juno.com November 15th - 4pm, Ben & Nancy Coleman, Callao, MO, 660.768.5743. Ben and family have been cattle ranching for years. Come and see their management practices; come early since it will be getting dark soon at this meeting. Heated outbuilding for meal and meeting. December - no meeting in December Growing Growers Workshops For more information 913-488-1270 or growers@ksu.edu Aug 13 - Starting a New Farm, Baldwin City, KS. Sept 9 - Pests, Diseases & Weeds, Independence, MO. Oct 1 - Integrating Meat and Dairy into Vegetables, Weston, MO. Oct 20 - Business Management for Small Farms, Kearney, MO. Nov 3 - TBD, Location to be determined MO Vegetable Growers Association Tours Aug 7 - Northeast MO - Steve Salt's Farm, near Kirksville as well as another farm or two in the area. Call 660-665-8966 or schutterjl@missouri.edu Aug - East Central MO - two or three veggie farms within the Mississippi River Hills area that is keen on grape growing, wineries and agritourism. Call 573-883-3548 or keeleyk@missouri.edu