Consumers have limited understanding of the carbon farming market, but young consumers, 25-34 years old in particular, recognize the positive contributions farmers and ranchers can have in improving the climate, a new survey from Agoro Carbon Alliance found.
Independent research conducted by Agoro Carbon Alliance studied consumer perspectives on carbon farming and its perceived effect on climate change. Overall, the survey found a lack of understanding about the role of farmers and ranchers and their positive contributions to curbing climate change for consumers, especially as it relates to carbon farming.
Consumers feel that oil and gas companies (46%), manufacturing companies (39%) and transportation companies (38%) are the top contributors to climate change. Only 18% of consumers ranked farmers and ranchers as most responsible. Even though consumers didn’t feel farmers and ranchers are required to lead the charge for change, they had a positive response to proactive solutions available to farmers and ranchers.
“Farmers and ranchers are committed to protecting the environment, which allows for an immense opportunity to be a part of the solution to impact climate change,” said Alex Bell, CEO at Agoro Carbon Alliance. “We’ve learned that, when put into context, consumers have a positive perception of farmers and ranchers who participate in carbon farming programs; the conservation benefits resonate with consumers.”
Consumers who are engaged in carbon reduction topics are most likely to recognize the benefits of farmer and rancher participation and the positive impact on the climate. Almost half of respondents (46%) agree that farmers and ranchers involved in carbon farming programs would be considered leaders in addressing climate change.
Responses indicate that most agree agriculture is not a main contributor to climate change, but taking proactive steps to be a part of the solution is a valuable contribution and shines a positive light on farmers and ranchers. Young consumers, millennials in particular, are most likely to see the benefits of carbon farming programs.
Not only do carbon farming programs add revenue and protect land, they also can help reverse the effects of climate change by decarbonizing farming. By leading the way with conservation and sustainability, farmers and ranchers take land stewardship to the next level.
“At Agoro Carbon, we help farmers and ranchers monetize sustainability with carbon
credits and improve the resilience of their land for years to come,” said Caleb Smith,
Carbon Cropping Agronomist with Agoro Carbon Alliance. “When we sequester carbon in
the soil using cover crops and tillage management, we also see increased soil fertility,
reduced input costs and improved nutrient availability. That’s a good thing for all players
involved.”
