NFU Favors Cap and Trade System

Farmers Union President Roger Johnson represented his organization Wednesday in testimony before the House Committee on Small Business. Johnson says - NFU believes the flexibility of a cap and trade program holds the most promise in making actual greenhouse gas emissions reductions while mitigating the overall energy cost increases that would result from such a program. NFU policy supports a national, mandatory carbon emission cap and trade system, with an optional agricultural offset program, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Johnson said the voluntary Farmers Union Carbon Credit Program has taught NFU valuable lessons on how to properly construct a cap and trade program. He said the program demonstrates the commitment America's farmers and ranchers have to protecting the environment.

Currently, NFU is the largest aggregator of agriculture carbon credits on the Chicago Climate Exchange. The program has more than five million acres enrolled across 31 states and nearly 9.5-million dollars has been earned for the almost 4-thousand producers participating.