Work

Are Ranchers Interested in Joining the Carbon Market? Survey Says: Maybe

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The carbon market offers an opportunity for ranchers to receive compensation for engaging in stewardship practices that sequester greenhouse gases. We present results from a survey administered in January 2024 of 504 ranchers across 10 Great Plains and Front Range states exploring their willingness to join the carbon market, and their reasons for non-participation. We found that 55% of respondents are interested in joining a grassland carbon market program. Top non-participation reasons include concerns about long-term contracts, payment amounts, and having a conservation easement to be eligible. Private carbon markets and future federal programs should consider ranchers’ preferences for enrollment if they want to encourage participation.

Source: AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA)

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.410246

Authors: Nimlos, Nicole, Bastian, Christopher, Scasta, John Derek

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change Policy and Economics

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Life on land

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7208728550

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