Ecosystem services markets are rapidly evolving. These include carbon sequestration, phosphorus reduction, water quality and conservation, and others. Ecosystem services markets typically function with a financial exchange for outcomes (credits).
We support:
- Ecosystem services markets remaining voluntary.
- Peer-reviewed science and public research related to ecosystem services credits addressing Michigan’s diverse agricultural industries.
- Standardization, transparency, and clarity related to ecosystem services enrollment contracts, pricing, and credit(s).
- Using the most up-to-date models to estimate emissions for program standards.
- Compensation and recognition for agricultural practices that keep carbon in the soil or in plant material.
- Farmers receiving credit or compensation for maintaining previous or existing practices.
- Keeping the length of time that farmers are compensated consistent with the length of practice implementation.
- Producers being able to utilize USDA cost-share programs alongside ecosystem services programs to better support the return on investment of conservation practice adoption.
- Michigan Farm Bureau staff, Michigan State University staff, and others in their mission to support farmers as they navigate ecosystem services contracting.