‘Serious money’ to be made in climate-smart agriculture, ethanol
'Serious money' to be made in climate-smart agriculture, ethanol Agweek
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The Ethanol Industry’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction
The ethanol industry’s desire to enter low-carbon fuel markets is creating new opportunities for farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices. These practices can help ethanol plants tap into markets with a low-carbon fuel standard, such as California, and receive premium prices that can be passed on to farmers. Quantifying carbon-reducing practices has become a major focus of the ethanol industry.
Calculating Carbon Intensity
At the recent American Coalition for Ethanol conference in Minneapolis, tools for calculating the carbon intensity (CI) score were a primary focus. The ACE website offers a free calculator for this purpose.
Recognizing Contributions
The conference also honored Ron Alverson, a South Dakota farmer and early adopter of climate-smart agricultural practices, with the Merle Anderson award. Alverson has played a significant role in helping farmers and ethanol producers understand the financial benefits of reducing their carbon intensity.
The Role of Science
Alverson has worked with scientists at Argonne National Laboratories to develop the GREET model, which measures and quantifies greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels. His research has helped identify farming practices that affect the CI score.
Ethanol’s Impact on Corn Prices
Alverson’s passion for corn led him to help start the South Dakota Corn Growers Association in 1987. When ethanol emerged as a new market in the 1990s, Alverson and other growers formed Dakota Ethanol. This investment has significantly improved corn prices and grain prosperity in the upper Midwest.
The Push for Carbon Capture and Storage
Another development in the ethanol industry is the push for carbon capture and storage from ethanol plants. Dakota Ethanol has signed on to the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project, which aims to capture and store carbon emissions. The project has faced opposition from landowners and environmental groups, but Alverson believes it benefits the planet in the long run.
Decades of Soil Health Advocacy
Alverson’s interest in corn and soil health began with a challenge from a professor at South Dakota State University. He has since adopted reduced tillage practices and increased corn production, resulting in a significant increase in soil organic matter. Alverson is now part of a research project that aims to reduce carbon intensity in corn production through financial incentives for farmers.
Conclusion
The ethanol industry’s focus on sustainable development goals, particularly reducing carbon intensity, is creating new opportunities for farmers. By adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, farmers can benefit financially while contributing to a more sustainable future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
- Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources | Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP |
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Source: agweek.com
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