When a Carbon Program Ends: What to Consider Before Your Next Step

As the 2025 crop year comes to a close, some growers may find their current carbon program approaching the end of its contract term. When a program concludes, it can be a natural time to pause, review your experience, and consider what options may be available next.

Every operation is different, and carbon programs vary in structure, requirements, and timelines. Taking time to understand where you stand today can help you make informed decisions as you look ahead to future growing seasons.

Step One: Understand Your Current Agreement

Before enrolling in any new program, it’s important to clearly understand the terms of your existing agreement. Consider reviewing:

• When your current program officially ends
  
• Whether renewal or extension options are available
  
• Any ongoing obligations following program completion, such as data submission, verification, or record retention
  
• How payments were structured and delivered during your participation
  

Understanding these details can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure you remain aligned with your current program’s terms.

Step Two: Evaluate Program Structure and Fit

As a program concludes, growers often take the opportunity to evaluate what worked well and what they may want to approach differently going forward. When reviewing carbon programs, factors to consider may include:

• Funding structure – Understanding how a program is funded and how that may affect payment timing or availability
  
• Practice eligibility – Whether the program aligns with the regenerative practices and crops used on your operation
  
• Payment clarity – How payments are calculated and when they are typically issued
  
• Enrollment timing – Whether enrollment or re-enrollment windows align with your planning cycle

Programs can differ significantly, and no single approach works for every farm. Evaluating these elements can help determine whether a program is a good operational fit.

Step Three: What to Look for as You Plan for 2026

As carbon markets continue to evolve, many growers are looking for programs that align with their agronomic goals and operational needs. When comparing options for future participation, you may want to consider programs that offer:

• Clear terms and expectations
  
• Practice options that align with your operation
  
• Defined payment structures and timelines
  
• Educational and agronomic support resources
  

The Bayer Carbon Program is one option available to growers and is structured around market-based participation, with defined terms and eligible regenerative practices. As with any program, participation is subject to applicable agreements, eligibility requirements, and verification.

Step Four: Preparing for a Smooth Transition

If your current carbon program concludes in 2025, early preparation may help reduce uncertainty and avoid gaps between programs. Steps to consider include:

• Organizing historical practice and agronomic data
  
• Reviewing your short- and long-term goals related to soil health and farm management
  
• Discussing program terms and requirements with program representatives
  
• Allowing adequate time to review agreements before enrolling
  

Taking these steps early can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Considering the Bayer Carbon Program

The Bayer Carbon Program is designed to support growers interested in participating in regenerative agriculture programs, with clearly defined program terms and eligible practices. Participation is voluntary and subject to verification and the applicable Bayer Carbon-Smart Practices Master Agreement.

Whether you are concluding a current program or planning ahead, understanding your options can help you determine the right path forward for your operation.

If your carbon program is ending or if you are simply exploring future opportunities—you may wish to speak with a Bayer Carbon Program Engagement Specialist to better understand available options and program requirements for 2026.

Participation, payments, and eligibility are subject to program terms and verification. This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not modify any program agreements.

1 Payments subject to: (a) verification by Bayer that the selected practices have been performed and, for historical payments, that carbon assets have been generated; and (b) all other applicable terms of the Bayer Carbon-Smart Practices Master Agreement and attached program terms.

2 Bayer will increase the payment rate for applicable practices on eligible fields if the market price of carbon assets has substantially increased (as periodically evaluated and determined by Bayer).