Ecosystem Services Market Consortium: eco-harvest

ESMC’s Eco-Harvest program focuses on ecosystem services with the integrated approach of improved carbon, water quality, water quantity, biodiversity.

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Farm Eligibility

Start Date

May of 2019; Eco-Harvest market program launch May 2022

Geography

Market program currently available in 4 regions: Northern Great Plains, Southern Great Plains, Midwest Soy and Corn Belt, and Great Lakes.

Eligible Practices

  • Cover Crops

  • Nutrient Management
  • Reduced- or No-Till

Additionality Requirement

Yes, with a 10-year look-back period

Money Matters

Payment Schedule

There is a 5-year payment period, with payments beginning in the year after the credits are generated.

Price

The price floor is $15/tonne CO2 eq. No payment for practices; all payments are outcomes-based. Average 0.5 tonne per acre = $7.50/acre. But dependent on the practices enacted, soil type, prior management etc.

Stackability (With goverment programs and other markets)

Stackable with cost-share programs

Carbon Related Incentive

Inset

Contracting Info

Contract Length

5-year contracts with the potential to renew three additional times, totaling 20 years maximum participation.

Data Collected at Enrollment

At enrollment collect field boundaries, practice changes, planned crop, signed Producer Agreement. Over the season, field level management data.

Enrollment Assistance

ESMC partners with on the ground partners that will support producers with enrollment and data entry over the course of their engagement

Agronomic/Technical Assistance

Provided by ESMC’s member organizations and partners (e.g. conservation district, CCAs, NGOs).

Technical Info

Lead Organization

Funders listed here: https://ecosystemservicesmarket.org/about-us/esmc-funders/

Outcome Estimation

Modeling (peer reviewed biogeochemical model) + soil sampling. ESMC assumes costs and includes in credit price to buyers. The quantification approach is aligned to SustainCERT’s Value Change Initiative (VCI) Guidance.

Verification

Subset of producers randomly selected for site visit + remote sensing.

Penalty for Temporary Break in Practice Implementation

Stall in soil carbon gains requires initial gains to be realized before additional credit issuance/payment

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Funded by the Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program.

ISAP and its members aim to provide farmers with transparent and practical information to increase their confidence in evaluating incentive payment opportunities. ISAP does not endorse any particular program or company.