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    Advancing soil carbon science

    To unlock agriculture as a climate solution, we’ve set out to create the highest quality ag carbon program, backed by rigorous science and certification.

    High-quality ag soil carbon credits are being generated by following rigorous, scientifically robust protocols

    Carbon by Indigo leverages third-party protocols from leading global registries – the Climate Action Reserve and Verra – enabling global scale.

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    Indigo Carbon Projects

    Project Name
    Project ID
    Crediting Program
    Protocol / Methodology
    Location(s)
    Starting Year
    Total Credits Registered

    Indigo U.S. Project No. 1

    United States

    2018

    296,662

    Indigo Ag EU Project No.1

    Northern Europe

    TBD

    --

    Project Name

    Indigo U.S. Project No. 1

    Project ID
    Crediting Program
    Protocol / Methodology
    Location(s)

    United States

    Project Name

    Indigo Ag EU Project No.1

    Project ID
    Crediting Program
    Protocol / Methodology
    Location(s)

    Northern Europe

    The hyperlinks under “Project ID,” and the documents provided therein, disclose project details including standards and verifications, accountability and monitoring measures, data and calculation methodologies, and other information regarding the applicable project that provides transparency and may be of value to consumers.

    Producing quality agricultural carbon credits

    Carbon by Indigo has generated the first registry issued, third-party verified agricultural carbon credits using direct soil sampling and advanced modeling at an unprecedented scale.

    Data transparency builds the credibility and value of the credits.

    These credits are generated using the Soil Enrichment Protocol developed and adopted by the Climate Action Reserve, with participation from Indigo’s team of leading scientists, policy experts, and technologists. Carbon by Indigo’s agricultural soil carbon credits are considered the highest quality because net changes in greenhouse gasses are credited following MRV, or “monitoring, reporting, and verification,” which adheres to IPCC guidelines and best practices.  

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    Hear from Our Partners

    Mask

    We built Airly with a mission to reverse climate change through food, acknowledging that's an audacious goal, but we are fundamentally driven by the fact that agriculture has a big role to play in that overall solution. As you get out into the market and you start to demonstrate the consumer demand, a lot more people start jumping in.

    Jennifer McKnight | Co-Founder, Airly Foods, Post Holdings

    Learn More about Airly
    Mask

    The potential to generate high-quality carbon credits from sustainable ag practices has been on the table for a long time. That potential is finally reality. These credits are tangible evidence that the effects of on-farm practices can be measured to the highest degree of confidence so that farmers have a credible way to benefit from the massive global investment in carbon credits underway.

    Craig Ebert | President, Climate Action Reserve

    Mask

    We really need to start treating agriculture and food production in this country more like a long-term investment and less like borrowing and lending. You have to give the capital a chance to grow.

    Zach Ducheneaux | Administrator, USDA Farm Service Agency

    Mask

    The ability to sell carbon as a new crop ... it's going to fundamentally change what we do on the farm. We'll get paid for something other than yield

    Ben Riensche | Partner, Blue Diamond Farms, Iowa

    Mask

    This is better farming. Some of the world’s largest companies have a million farms in their supply chains and are facing a world in which climate is becoming more disruptive, less predictive rainfall, water shortages, too much water—all those factors that are making it more difficult to be a farmer today. These companies are looking for exactly that type of agriculture that is going to create more resilience.

    Paul Hawken | Author of Drawdown and Regeneration, Business Strategist, Journalist

    The Soil Carbon Experiment:

    The Sustainability Sciences team’s field research provides a foundational dataset and case studies that keep Carbon by Indigo on the forefront of science.

    The successful delivery of Carbon credits relies on long term data to accurately calibrate and validate models for new practices.

    Indigo initiated The Soil Carbon Experiment (SCX) in 2019 as our primary set of field experiments aimed at answering critical open research questions; specifically, how to apply MRV technology to acres used in carbon credit production. We gather data on soil organic carbon, bulk density, soil health, and other measures on soil samples, with accompanying management data. These samples come from a mix of regeneratively and conventionally managed fields – including a subset of split-field trials with both management systems.

    Internal research trials create a valuable sandbox for Indigo to ask specific questions and quickly evaluate new technologies for market readiness. Conducting field research allows us to better understand the real world challenges of implementing a practice and have more productive conversations with external experts and farmers. 

    Interested in Advancing the Science and Policy With Us?

    Get in touch with our team to begin the conversation.

    All Resources

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    Content Type

    Position Paper
    May 13, 2022

    Additionality in Agricultural Carbon Credits

    Additionality is a foundational criterion for the creation of a carbon offset. When done properly, with high quality credits, the use of a carbon offset results in a net neutral impact on the atmosphere.

    Position Paper
    April 30, 2022

    The Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Footprint

    Anthropogenic climate change is caused by excess atmospheric emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), especially carbon dioxide (CO2 ), nitrous oxide (N2 O), and methane (CH4).

    Position Paper
    March 1, 2022

    Soil Health Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture

    Soil is a vital natural resource. Healthy soil maintains agricultural productivity and ecosystem functioning through optimal physical, chemical, and biological properties.

    Position Paper
    June 21, 2021

    Implementing the Soil Enrichment Protocol at Scale: Opportunities for an Agricultural Carbon Market

    High-quality agricultural carbon credits that incentivize regenerative practices can help address climate change through greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement and CO2 sequestration.

    Position Paper
    April 21, 2021

    Policy Opportunities for Climate Smart Agriculture

    US growers are struggling to remain profitable, production expenses1 have increased2 , government payouts to farmers are breaking records, and the acceleration of per acre productivity seen over the past century is slowing.

    Position Paper
    April 21, 2021

    Carbon market for climate smart agriculture practices

    Why rigorous measurement, modeling, and scalability matter to farmers

    Position Paper
    April 21, 2021

    Harnessing Agricultural Data with Standards and Interoperability

    Anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG) are the dominant cause of climate change with agricultural activities, contributing to 9%-14% of global GHG emissions.

    Position Paper
    February 6, 2023

    Managing Quantification Uncertainty in Agricultural Carbon Markets

    In the world of agricultural carbon, understanding and addressing uncertainty is not a simple task, but it can mean the difference between a high-quality credit and one that is not.

    Position Paper
    December 8, 2023

    Ensuring Permanence of Carbon Stored in Agricultural Soils: The Practitioner's Perspective

    Permanence is a necessary and achievable goal in effi cacious agricultural carbon projects. Agricultural carbon crediting can be a signifi cant mechanism to incentivize climate smart practice adoption and thus to help farmers both mitigate and adapt to climate change.

    Blog
    March 13, 2024

    SBTi FLAG for Fashion: What Companies Need to Know

    Peter Bunce, Head of Cotton at Indigo Ag, has been working in agriculture for over 20 years, with a special focus on cotton production through to textiles. His passion for...

    Blog
    December 21, 2023

    Sustainable Ag Featured in Leading Companies’ ESG Reports

    In 2023, agriculture’s role as a climate solution has moved from novel player to the center of the global stage: “Action on food and agriculture has long stood in the shadows...

    Blog
    December 11, 2023

    4 Takeaways From COP28: Agriculture Moves to the Global Climate Stage

    With additional reporting by Max DuBuisson.

    Blog
    October 5, 2023

    For Climate Solutions, Continuous Improvement is a Feature, Not a Bug

    Climate Week NYC was, as always, a whirlwind of wonky panels, networking, catching up with friends, former colleagues, and former classmates, subway rides, sweaty walks...

    Blog
    October 2, 2023

    Is This the Future of Soil Carbon Analysis?

    Accurate analysis is critical for understanding soil health and quantifying soil organic carbon (SOC) and other soil properties. After a soil sample has been collected from a...

    Blog
    September 21, 2023

    A Conversation on Scope 3 Accounting and Target Setting with World Resources Institute

    Editor’s Note: For Climate Week 2023, we are launching a series of conversations with thought leaders across science and policy who are working to make agriculture more...

    Blog
    September 8, 2023

    See you at Climate Week NYC!

    Climate Week NYC is a key milestone in global efforts to shape the trajectory and success of sustainability initiatives. As agriculture is more and more recognized as a key...

    Blog
    September 5, 2023

    Why Calibration and Validation Are Critical in Soil Carbon Models

    Quantifying the environmental benefits of sustainable farming practices requires scientific rigor and transparency in order to build a credible market that ensures corporate...

    Blog
    August 30, 2023

    Moving from Alignment to Action on Scope 3 Emission Reductions

    For many consumer goods companies, the runway for meeting ambitious sustainability targets is starting to feel short. There is mounting pressure to achieve liftoff, moving...

    Blog
    August 17, 2023

    Grounded in Science: Debunking 6 Myths About Soil Carbon as a Climate Solution

    Through carbon credit and sustainable crop programs, Indigo Ag is providing financial incentives for agricultural systems and practices that are more sustainable (also known...

    Blog
    June 1, 2023

    Making Sense of Scope 3 Emissions Targets and Guidance

    To date, Indigo has delivered more than 10 million bushels of sustainably grown crops, reducing GHG emissions by more than 15,000 metric tons and saving 6.7 billion gallons...

    Blog
    April 7, 2023

    Building Trust in a Voluntary Carbon Market: Key Takeaways from NACW ’23

    The commitment to drive action on climate change was clear at the 20th anniversary of theNorth American Carbon World (NACW) in Anaheim, California, hosted by the Climate...

    Blog
    March 21, 2023

    Indigo Develops Innovative New Bionematicide for Spring 2023 Planting Season

    With spring planting season just around the corner, Indigo is making its first ever US biological nematicide product available to farmers for field trials, following rigorous...

    Blog
    February 23, 2023

    Momentum at Scale: A Look at Indigo’s Second Carbon Crop

    Today Indigo announced its second crop of verified, registry-issued carbon credits at scale. It is our second crop of agricultural carbon credits, and more broadly, only the...

    Blog
    December 6, 2022

    At COP27, Agriculture’s Role as a Climate Solution Grows

    The 27th Conference of the Parties (COP), organized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) just wrapped up in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Indigo...

    Blog
    November 28, 2022

    Is the World Finally Ready to Tackle Scope 3 Emissions in Agriculture?

    Additional writing and reporting by Ryan DalyAs a company buying agricultural products such as grains and fibers, you may be looking to account for greenhouse gas reductions...

    Blog
    November 2, 2022

    How Market-Driven Solutions Can Drive Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture Around the Globe

    Small farms, big job: Feeding the world against all odds in the Nilgiris, in the state of Tamil Nadu, Southern India. Photograph by P. V. SundareshwarNext week the world’s...

    Blog
    July 27, 2022

    Bringing Agricultural Carbon Programs to Native American Farmers

    With support from a new grant, some Native American farmers and ranchers are getting first-hand exposure to the benefits of carbon farming.

    Blog
    May 10, 2022

    Carbon Farming 101: How Does Soil Carbon Get Measured?

    How does soil carbon get measured? Accurately measuring carbon sequestration is important because it ensures buyers have confidence in the carbon credits they purchase and...

    Blog
    December 8, 2021

    A Meeting of the Minds to Advance Agronomic, Crop, and Soil Sciences

    image above: Prof. Keith Paustian of Colorado State University shares his outlook on opportunitiesto advance soil carbon research at an Indigo-hosted reception at the 2021...

    Blog
    November 16, 2021

    COP26: 4 Takeaways Advancing Agriculture as a Climate Solution

    By Max DuBuisson, Bradley Rochlin, Guy Pinjuv

    Blog
    November 4, 2021

    Farmers Maximize Their Opportunity to Get Paid for Carbon With New World-Class Tools

    Big news in the agriculture world last week: Indigo Ag announced its acquisition of Soil Metrics, an industry-leading technology company that has developed a comprehensive...

    Blog
    May 6, 2021

    How Does Soil Carbon Sequestration Work?

    The science behind agricultural carbon sequestration offers a snapshot of the constant dialogue between the atmosphere, plants, and soils. It starts with photosynthesis—and...

    Blog
    March 22, 2021

    Reflecting on the Power of the Plant Microbiome for World Water Day

    Farmers depend on water for their business, as much as seeds, sun, and fertilizer – and it shows. Agriculture consumes 70% of the world’s freshwater an 85% of the available...

    Blog
    January 28, 2021

    These Innovators are Finding New Solutions to Progress Carbon Sequestration in Agricultural Soils

    Indigo launched the first-of-its-kind Indigo Carbon Challenge in 2019 to find novel solutions for agricultural soil carbon sequestration and help draw the world's...

    Blog
    January 25, 2021

    What Makes a High Quality Carbon Credit?

    Businesses and consumers are laser-focused on making sure the carbon credits they buy are a true measure of progress against climate change.

    Blog
    November 18, 2020

    A Major Milestone for Measuring the Climate Benefit of Agriculture

    By Max DuBuisson, Director of Carbon Policy, Indigo Ag The agricultural carbon market just took a major leap forward: In October, rigorous protocols for “soil enrichment”...

    Blog
    January 22, 2020

    The Key to Agricultural Carbon Markets: Measurement and Verification

    Agricultural soil carbon sequestration and emissions reductions can be immediate and affordable levers in addressing climate change, as suggested by the climate plans...

    Blog
    December 13, 2018

    A Living Map of the World's Food Supply

    By Geoffrey von Maltzahn Today, we’re excited to announce Indigo’s acquisition of TellusLabs, a satellite imaging and artificial intelligence company based out of Somerville,...

    Blog
    September 12, 2018

    Yield Differences So Large You Can See Them From Outer Space

    By Geoffrey von Maltzahn When evaluating products, growers trust the results they see with their own eyes. The benefit of a different seed variety, irrigation system,...

    Advancing the Adoption of Soil Carbon Science

    Updates from our in-house team of experts and partners in science and policy.

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    Carbon by Indigo For Farmers

    Carbon by Indigo For Supporting Companies

    See the Progress Made So Far