USDA Unveils Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program Plan

USDA has published a report, Intent to Establish the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program, justifying the Secretary’s intent to establish the program. The report explains how the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program will facilitate farmer, rancher, and private forest landowner participation in voluntary carbon markets. The program will provide a list of qualified technical assistance providers and third-party verifiers who work with producers to generate carbon credits, enabling USDA to share trusted information and reduce market confusion. Under the program, USDA will also list widely accepted voluntary carbon credit protocols designed to ensure consistency, reliability, effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency. USDA will work towards formal establishment of the program in 2024.