Part of the Carbon by Indigo program is adopting a new practice change on your enrolled fields. This article will cover some of the common questions about practice changes and provide an overview of those that qualify.
Why do I need to have a practice change?
Two primary reasons: 1) Valuable carbon credits are in high demand, and buyers are only willing to purchase credits that demonstrate a change. Credits generated as a result of practice changes are valuable because they represent new benefits to soil carbon and emissions, above and beyond “business as usual.” 2) These types of valuable credits are extremely rare – that’s why buyers come to Indigo and are willing to pay high prices. That’s also why we’re able to guarantee a credit payment minimum. Past carbon markets have been unsuccessful because buyers did not see the credits as truly valuable without the practice change requirement.
2. Since when and by when can I adopt a new sustainable practice to be eligible for the program?
You are able to enroll in our program if you already made a practice change on your fields, as long as it's within the 12-month window, or you plan to add or change a practice in an upcoming season.
Already made a practice change prior to enrollment?
The most important date to remember is when a field with a practice change was last harvested prior to the practice change; the day after last harvest is the start of your practice change window. You then have 12 months to enroll in Carbon by Indigo based on the start date of the practice change window. For example, if a grower harvests wheat on July 7th, 2023, their practice change window “start date” begins July 8th, 2023. They have until July 8th, 2024 to fully enroll in Carbon by Indigo and count any qualifying practice changes made between their 2023 harvest and subsequent cash crop planting.
You've already implemented a practice change outside the window?
You may still be eligible if you introduce another eligible practice change on top of the other practice change you did. Work with our team of experts to discuss your options to ensure eligibility. Check out our Practice Change Explorer tool to learn more about qualifying practices that could work for you.
Haven't implemented a practice change on your fields?
Enroll as soon as possible, we can work with you on choosing the right practice to maximize your carbon credit opportunity. There is no time limit after enrollment to implement an eligible practice window. Check out our Practice Change Explorer tool to learn more about qualifying practices that could work for you.
3. What practice changes qualify?
Please review the resource below for more information on qualifying practice changes. You can click on the picture to enlarge it. Keep in mind that at least 25% of a field boundary area must exhibit this new carbon farming practice to qualify.
