The Nature Conservancy (Agroforestry)
This project increases capital investments in tree planting to increase supply of agroforestry commodities by combining the necessary incentives, outreach, and education through a distribution network of the leading NG0s, businesses, and researchers in the agroforestry space. They aim to increase demand by working directly with manufacturers and retail companies to connect producers with potential buyers and educate consumers about the benefits of agroforestry products through labeling and certification. This project will enable new revenue streams for underserved and small producers, providing an opportunity for underserved producers to participate in commodity markets that have, thus far, been difficult to access.
Farm Eligibility
Apr-23
AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OK, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
Alley Cropping
- Silvopasture
- Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment and Renovation
Does not specify
Money Matters
In addition to an incentive payment, transition payment will be provided to help offset forgone income on the land while the trees are maturing.
Details not provided. Incentive payments will vary based on the specific practice adopted.
Refer to program category descriptions for general stackability potential. Reach out to the program contact for more information.
Inset
Contracting Info
The Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities program is a five year program starting in February 2023.
All projects are required to include plans to (1) quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits and (2) monitor/verify those benefits over time.
At the national level they will create a website that allows farmers to apply for incentive payments and that links to education content and to the regional TSPs. To generate awareness of this program, they will issue press releases and media coverage in outlets such as Progressive Farmer, Permaculture, Farm Journal, etc. At the regional level, we will leverage existing farmer networks and communication channels.
Technical service providers (TSPs) will work with participating producers to determine the potential for agroforestry projects on each farm, by helping farmers understand the economics of agroforestry and developing a farm design and implementation plan. We will then support farmers through the project development process, connecting farmers with verified vendors to obtain the seedlings and services needed to successfully install the agroforestry system. Technical Assistance includes on-farm advisory services, Agroforestry design & financial modeling services, On-farm demos and field days, and educational materials.
Technical Info
The Nature Conservancy
First, Technical Service Providers (TSPs) gather information on current practices for use in estimating baseline emissions. TSPs will utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. Projects will track increases in carbon stores in both trees and soil. For tree biomass, we will map the location, age, and species of each tree planted. We will measure diameter at breast height (DBH) on a representative subsample of planted trees every year and will use allometric equations to translate this to tree biomass and carbon. Yard Stick will conduct sampling design and field sampling for soil carbon to 30 cm, every other year, with samples sent to Brookside Labs. Concurrently, Yard Stick will use this data to test and validate its innovative in situ spectral-based handheld probe. This technology is expected to reduce sampling costs by over 90% once testing and validation are complete. Soil sampling in Hawaii will be conducted by the University of Hawaii Manoa.
SustainCert’s Value Change Initiative will be used for verification and certification of scope 3 reporting methodologies to enable insetting by companies in the value chain of agroforestry products. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will be used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market.
Does not specify
