In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture, Orbia Advance Corporation’s S.A.B. de C.V. Precision Agriculture business, Netafim, has launched a new carbon credit program in Turkey. Partnering with Virridy, a trailblazer in environmental technology and water-focused carbon credit generation, the initiative aims to transform agricultural practices and combat climate change.
The program kicks off with over 1,000 hectares of farmland, focusing on alfalfa, corn, and sugar beet crops. Early trials have demonstrated a reduction of at least 3.5 CO₂e tons per hectare per year. By incentivizing farmers to adopt sustainable and regenerative practices, such as precision irrigation and digital farming solutions, the program seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sequestration.
This innovative approach to carbon finance is not just about environmental benefits; it’s also about economic viability. Farmers adopting these practices can expect improved water efficiency, reduced input costs, and an additional revenue stream from carbon credits. For businesses, purchasing and trading these credits offers a way to offset emissions and gain financial stability in an increasingly volatile market.
The partnership builds on Netafim’s existing carbon credit programs, including a groundbreaking initiative for drip-irrigated rice launched in 2022. That program nearly eliminated methane emissions while conserving water, energy, and fertilizers. Now, Netafim is expanding its reach, implementing precision irrigation on alfalfa, sugar beet, and corn farms in Turkey.
Virridy’s expertise in water-focused carbon finance, combined with Netafim’s leadership in precision irrigation, creates a powerful synergy. Virridy will lead carbon credit generation efforts, leveraging its Digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (DMRV) capabilities. Netafim, with its agronomic expertise and proven technology, will enable farmers to maximize yields while minimizing environmental impact.
The program’s success is already evident from past initiatives, where farmers saw at least a 25% increase in yield, along with improved water efficiency and decreased fertilizer use. This year marks the first phase of the program, with plans to scale significantly within Turkey and potentially expand to other countries.
Evan Thomas, CEO at Virridy, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership allows us to bridge agriculture and carbon finance, making sustainable practices more accessible and financially viable for farmers worldwide.” Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions at Orbia Precision Agriculture (Netafim), echoed this sentiment, highlighting the program’s potential to create a meaningful impact globally.
As the program progresses, it is poised to set a new standard in sustainable agriculture, demonstrating how precision irrigation and carbon finance can work together to create a more resilient and environmentally friendly future.
