Ecosystem Services Market Research Consortium

Incentivizing Farmers to Adopt Conservation Practices

Climate change is threatening food security and farmer livelihoods. The agriculture sector contributes 9.3 percent of US greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; however, the National Academies of Sciences estimates that the accelerated adoption of existing and imminent climate-smart solutions could reduce GHG emissions to negative 4 percent. We must act now to adopt practices that mitigate the effects of climate change.

One way to increase adoption of these sustainable practices is through an ecosystem services market, which incentivizes farmers and ranchers who adopt practices that improve soil health and water usage and reduce GHG emissions.

We funded the ESMRC, the research arm of the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, to provide the research necessary to create a scaled, efficient, cost-effective marketplace that works for farmers and ranchers.

Visit the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium for more information.