In past posts I've shared information concerning carbon credits and the potential for rangeland and forestland owners to benefit from this relatively new market.
The 2008 Farm Bill's conservation title directs the Secretary of Agriculture to facilitate the development of environmental markets and ensure the participation of America's farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. As set forth by Congress in the Farm Bill, the Office of Environmental Markets (OEM) will work across government and in consultation with experts and stakeholders to build a market-based system for quantifying, registering and verifying environmental benefits produced by land management activities.
More information can be downloaded at:
Section 2709: Environmental Services Markets (PDF, 17 KB),
2007 Farm Bill Theme Paper on Conservation and the Environment (PDF, 0.7 MB)
and Executive Summary (PDF, 144 KB).
Specifically according to info on its web site, the "Office of Environmental Markets (OEM) is a new office created within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to catalyze the development of markets for ecosystem services. OEM has a unique role in the federal government's efforts to develop uniform standards and market infrastructure that will facilitate market-based approaches to agriculture, forest, and rangeland conservation. OEM is bringing experts and stakeholders together with government agencies to build a robust, accessible, and scientifically credible market system that will protect and enhance America's natural capital into the future.
The office, formerly called Office of Ecosystem Services and Markets, was established in December 2008 to provide administrative and technical assistance to the Secretary in implementing Section 2709 of the Farm Bill. Sally Collins was named Director of the office, after serving as Associate Chief of the Forest Service for eight years."
The following links provide more information:
USDA News Release (March 10, 2010): Secretary Vilsack announces details and objectives of USDA’s Office of Environmental Markets
USDA News Release (December 18, 2008): USDA announces new Office of Ecosystem Services and Markets
To get additional information you can email or phone via the contact information below.
Contact:
OEM@usda.gov
(202) 694-5345
Author - County Director Mendocino & Lake/Livestock & Natural Resources Advisor - Emeritus