Farmers Explore Carbon Sequestration Opportunities

Potential cash incentives and environmental concerns drive interest in carbon storage and trading

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones depicting sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the intricate scientific processes of carbon storage and cycling in the environment.As farmers explore new opportunities in carbon sequestration and emissions trading, a complex web of natural forces and scientific concepts underpin the potential for sustainable soil management.Springfield Today

Farmers from around the world gathered at the recent Global Sustainability Conference in Springfield, Illinois to learn more about the concept of carbon sequestration and the potential to earn income by selling carbon credits. While the Kyoto treaty remains uncertain, a Canadian fuel company executive says they are working to make emissions trading a reality, including purchasing the first carbon sequestration credits from Iowa farmers, though there have been some delays in getting the payments to them.

Why it matters

Carbon sequestration poses both opportunities and threats for farmers. The opportunity lies in potential cash incentives for storing carbon in the soil through no-till farming practices. The threat is the damaging environmental effects of high atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. As interest in carbon trading grows, farmers are eager to understand how they can participate and benefit.

The details

At the Global Sustainability Conference, farmers learned about the concept of storing and selling carbon credits. Aldyen Donnelly, President of the Canadian fuel company GEMCo, says her company has already begun purchasing the first carbon sequestration credits from Iowa farmers, though there have been delays in getting the payments to them. Donnelly acknowledged that the Kyoto treaty is flawed, but said her company is working to make emissions trading a reality regardless.

  • The Global Sustainability Conference was held recently in Springfield, Illinois.
  • GEMCo has already begun purchasing the first carbon sequestration credits from Iowa farmers.

The players

Aldyen Donnelly

President of GEMCo, a large Canadian fuel company that is working to make emissions trading a reality, including purchasing the first carbon sequestration credits from Iowa farmers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'No one in my consortium believes the Kyoto treaty is going anywhere. If it does, it'll bust up in the process. It's a flawed treaty, even if you believe climate change is real. But don't worry, we're moving to make emissions trading real.'”

— Aldyen Donnelly, President, GEMCo

What’s next

Donnelly hopes the delays in getting carbon sequestration payments to Iowa farmers will be resolved soon as GEMCo continues to work on making emissions trading a reality.

The takeaway

While the future of carbon trading policies like the Kyoto treaty remains uncertain, farmers are eager to explore the potential income opportunities from selling carbon credits by sequestering carbon in their soil through no-till farming practices. As companies like GEMCo work to establish functional emissions trading systems, farmers will need to stay informed on the evolving landscape.