FLAG’s Farmers’ Guide to Carbon Contracts is designed to help farmers understand carbon market contracts and make an informed decision about whether to agree to a carbon contract. In a carbon market contract, a farmer agrees to adopt certain farming practices that are expected to keep carbon in the ground or draw carbon from the air into the soil. Under the contract, farmers are paid to adopt these practices. The details for how the carbon is captured by farming practices, how farmers are paid, and other important requirements are set out in the carbon market contract.

This Guide looks closely at those carbon market contracts from the farmer’s perspective. Farmers, farm advocates, farm attorneys, and others are welcome to consult, download, print, or share the Guide for free.

Farmers’ Guide to Carbon Markets – February 2025