Forestry Eligibility Information

Obviously, forests will vary a lot in terms of carbon sequestration depending on the size and age of the tree, the species of the tree, where it is growing and how densely the trees are planted. For this reason, there is no "map area" of standard carbon sequestration rates for forestry like there is for no-till cropping, seeded grasses, or native rangeland. Instead, various charts and tables are used to quantify carbon storage.

One further clarification is that this offset is for "AFFORESTATION". Essentially that means trees planted since 1990 on land that was not forest or was degraded forest prior to that date. Older existing stands of trees are not eligible for this practice, but may be eligible for a "managed forestry" program. NFU does not offer the managed forestry offset yet due to changing rules and uncertainty of verification costs and requirements at this time. It may be possible to convert your afforestation contracts to "managed forest" contracts in the future to allow sustainable harvesting activities.

Trees that have been planted on CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) acres are eligible for the afforestation offset with a commitment to leaving trees for at least the 15 year contract. Carbon credits could be earned in addition to government CRP payments.

Please be aware that forestry offsets can take a long time to market. Even small projects have to be in a pool subject to verification, and since it not feasible to hire a professional verifier approved by CCX for each small project, we need to gather enough acres in a pool to justify the expense of the verifier. After the project has been verified or at least a portion of the pool verified, then the entire pool of credits can be registered and sold on the Chicago Climate Exchange.

If you wish to apply for a forestry offset project through National Farmers Union, please read over the sample contract, the various charts and tables regarding sequestration rates. To apply, we'll need you to send by regular mail an application, maps of the project, evidence of planting dates and tree species, records of significant changes, a statement of intent to maintain the stand, and evidence that you actually own the land.

Once that is received, we will calculate your expected rates, and let you know about what rate of sequestration you would receive. Once we have enough acres in the pool of projects, we will arrange for verification, and eventually register your credits, sell them, and disburse your earnings. Forestry offsets can be paid back to 2003 if eligible.