How To Stack Conservation Programs

Bayer Carbon Program Compatible Programs and Payments

There are many private and public programs available to help farmers implement practices that can improve soil health, reduce nutrient runoff from fields, improve wildlife habitats and sequester carbon. In some cases, these programs provide a monetary incentive and can be stacked for the same fields and practices to potentially earn additional revenue.

Below, you can explore stacking opportunities available to farmers that are compatible with the Bayer Carbon Program. Be sure to check with each program provider for exact terms and conditions.

Compatibility Matters

Participating in multiple regenerative and conservation programs doesn't necessarily disqualify you from enrolling in the Bayer Carbon Program. Regardless of the program you choose, it's crucial to notify us if you’ve previously enrolled fields in other initiatives so we can verify if the programs align.

Key questions we use to determine compatibility

Yes: Continue to question 2.

No: If the program offers free consulting, products, sweepstakes or involvement in research studies, it may be compatible with the Bayer Carbon Program.

Yes: Continue to question 3.

No: If the program doesn't generate credits for sale on a marketplace or claim outcomes in a company’s supply chain, it may be compatible with the Bayer Carbon Program. Please inform us at the time you enroll in the Bayer Carbon Program if your fields have been, or currently are, enrolled in other programs.

Examples of compatible programs include the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs like Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Regional Conservation Partnership Programs (RCPP) and some of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant projects, provided they don't generate credits or claim outcomes for supply chains. The Bayer Carbon Program follows USDA Technical Note No. 450-7 and the 2018 Farm Bill Subtitle C, Section 2503 guidelines for compatibility with USDA programs.

Yes: If you answered "yes" to questions 1, 2 and 3, the other program may not be compatible with the Bayer Carbon Program. See the contact information at the end of this article if you have more questions about program and payment compatibility.

No: Currently, the Bayer Carbon Program offers revenue opportunities specifically for no-till, strip-till and cover crop adoption. If you're implementing other regenerative agriculture practices, you might still be eligible for other relevant programs alongside the Bayer Carbon Program if you meet all eligibility criteria. For example, you could enroll in both the Bayer Carbon Program (for no-till and cover crops) and another program offering incentives for more efficient nitrogen fertilizer application.

Bayer Carbon Program Compatible Program Examples 1

carbon-program-stacking

1Please note that if a program is compatible with the Bayer Carbon Program, it doesn’t always mean it’s compatible with other non-Bayer programs or other carbon market opportunities. Bayer has developed the Bayer Carbon Program to be a simple and inclusive carbon market opportunity available to farmers and can’t speak to other programs. This table is not all-inclusive; other programs may be compatible.

Bayer Carbon Program Co-Benefits

Adopting regenerative practices that qualify for the Bayer Carbon Program offers advantages aside from additional revenue streams. The potential co-benefits are scientifically documented and recognized by US farmers, including:

  • Improved soil health

  • Reduced soil compaction

  • Minimized soil erosion

  • Enhanced weed control and suppression

  • Improved water infiltration rates

  • Increased water holding capacity

  • Potential labor, machinery and fuel cost savings

Plus, enrolling in the Bayer Carbon Program gets you a free membership in ForGround by Bayer. Joining ForGround unlocks access to personalized agronomist support and equipment discounts that make the transition to regenerative practices easier.