Verra calls for at least 3 methods to be included in US ag scheme
Quantum Commodity Intelligence – Verra has called for at least three of its methodologies to be included in a new US Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiative looking to generate carbon credits in the agriculture sector.
The US-based registry recommended the inclusion of methodologies for biochar, improved agricultural land management, and reducing enteric methane emissions from ruminants using feed ingredients.
The recommendations were part of feedback submitted to USDA as part of a consultation on the draft design of the proposed Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program under the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA).
The Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program is the "next step in implementing the GCSA", according to the USDA.
The aim is to "facilitate better technical assistance by providing a list of qualified technical assistance providers and third-party verifiers who work with producers to generate credible carbon credits, enabling USDA to share trusted information and reduce market confusion", the department said at the launch of the consultation.
"Verra believes that the USDA should utilize the existing infrastructure of greenhouse gas crediting programs for guidance to ensure high-integrity action in the carbon market and efficient project development and management processes," said the standard in an online update.
Specifically, Verra recommended that the USDA evaluate the following methodologies for listing under its programme:
VM0041 Methodology for the Reduction of Enteric Methane Emissions from Ruminants through the Use of Feed Ingredients;
VM0042 Methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management; and
VM0044 Methodology for Biochar Utilization in Soil and Non-Soil Applications.
Verra also recommended that the USDA review the VCS Program as a whole, as some programme documents unrelated to specific methodologies include critical rules and requirements needed for the alignment of all VCS methodologies.
The USDA programme will focu on enabling America's farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to participate in the voluntary carbon market by identifying high-integrity methodologies for generating carbon credits.
In May 2024, the USDA published a Request for Information (RFI) to collect feedback on the proposed program.
The RFI requested for comments on eight questions including options for interpreting and applying criteria for evaluating protocols for quantifying emission reductions and removals, such as methodologies in Verra's VCS programme.
The RFI also asked for inputs on information pertaining to specific protocols to be evaluated for inclusion in the USDA's program, qualifications needed for technical assistance providers, and qualifications for third-party validation and verification bodies.
