b'regenerative ag practices theyre wondering if its even an opportunity for them in these types of contracts as only some offer a lookback period, she adds.Many hope this push toward accuracy in measuring will help build buy-in for the carbon markets potential from farmers, consumers and policymakers.What were trying to do, with better measurement through soil sensors, is help farmers move from payment I think the idea of analyzing this firstfor a practice to payment for outcome, Dyrud says.from an agronomic perspective andHow Carbon Capture Intersects Seedthen the carbon element being theIn the seed industry, companies are making strides toward more carbon-neutral footprints. For farm-icing on top of the cake is a reallyers, seed products they use have a direct impact on good idea.carbon capture and that means the power is in seed company hands. Tiffany Dowell Lashmet As this sector continues to grow, were not just farming for food, were farming for carbon, Dyrud says. I dont think were too far from a future where people start making seed selection for profitability and that profitability will include carbon. There are all sorts of new opportunities coming down the pike for seed.With recent advancements in seed genetics, com-panies can find ways to optimize hybrids and varieties for optimum carbon capture and reduced footprint.It could be something like better nitrogen uptake, just the economics, says Ben Gordon, carbon andGordon says. That or better systems that lead to fewer ecosystems services global portfolio leader at Cortevapasses across fields, such as insect-resistant traits that Agriscience. The economics on-farm is a new revenuemean farmers dont have to apply a pesticide. One less stream, especially for farmers who are already goodtrip equals fewer hours on the tractor, less fuel use and stewards of the land. lowered carbon footprint, he explains.The why people should do it makes sense, the hardSeed companies have an incredible amount part is the how. Accurately measuring carbon in theresponsibility in their hands, however. As farmers soil is difficult, but critical for the role farmers play inconsider carbon marketing and what it means for their offsetting climate change. operation, more and more they will turn to trusted If the cost of taking measurements of the carbonadvisors for advice and opinions. For seed salesmen isnt much lower than the price of the carbon creditand women, this responsibility is one that could have itself, then its not a feasible economic system, saysimmediate, and long-term, consequences.Lars Dyrud, CEO of EarthOptics. We are focused onI think there is real potential there to help pro-how to take accurate measurements so everyone canvide education to help sort-of analyze some of these trust the carbon credits are valid and there actuallyopportunities and help show farmers what options is more carbon in the soil than there was before thethere might be, Dowell Lashmet says. I think the idea credit was issued. of analyzing this first from an agronomic perspective For farmers, more theres some uncertainty onand then the carbon element being the icing on top of not only the validity of data about carbon, but aboutthe cake is a really good idea.carbon marketing itself. For farmers, its a win-win. Better agronomics There are a lot of questions about whats comingmeans higher chances for better yields and carbon next in carbon marketing, and this is one of thosecapture means there could be new opportunities are timing things where you do not know until youre look- carbon markets evolve. Seed companies, farmers are ing in hindsight if you should have jumped into [carbonwatching carbon marketsare you?SWmarkets] earlier or if you would have been better off waiting, says Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, an associateWHERE professor and extension specialist in agricultural law atON THE WEBTexas A&M AgriLife Extension.Want to watch the full Seed Speaks episode? Check out:And for farmers who were early adopters ofseedworld.com/farmers-eye-evolving-carbon-markets-seed-companies-take-note44/ SEEDWORLD.COMINTERNATIONAL EDITION 2022'