Keeling Curve

Project Summary / Description:

We will develop a robust Roadmap to achieve the goal of reducing 20 million metric tons of GHG emissions in California‚ agriculture sector by 2030. California‚ Climate Change Scoping Plan, revised in 2017, declares that natural and working landscapes should achieve a 15-20 million MT reduction in GHG emissions by 2030. Yet legislators and industry do not fully understand the suite of policies, practices, and assessment tools to achieve that goal. Furthermore, existing efforts focus mostly on reducing emissions without recognizing the tremendous potential of carbon sequestration on farms and ranches. Our project will identify and recommend strategies for potential GHG reduction and carbon storage so California‚ agriculture sector can meet its Scoping Plan goals. We will quantify and evaluate:
1) Threshold financial incentives needed to stimulate farmers‚ participation in the state‚ Healthy Soils Program and other government incentive programs;
2) Voluntary food/ag business efforts that may contribute to the 20MT goal;
3) Tax policy measures and insurance conditions that can further incentivize farmers;
4) Public-private partnerships such as a rotating loan fund to support farmers adopting carbon farming techniques;
5) Technical assistance and extension to farmers who have been identified as interested but in need of support;
6) Research investments by the public and private sectors;
The Roadmap will help private and public sectors work collaboratively and benefit farming and food businesses, the environment, health, and the climate. This prize will support BFI experts to research and write this Roadmap and engage audiences critical to meeting this goal.

Best Estimate of GHG Avoidance/Reduction of This Project (Tonnes CO2 Equivalent/Year):

Mission Statement:

The Berkeley Food Institute strives to transform food systems to expand access to healthy, affordable food and promote sustainable and equitable food production. We empower new leaders with capacities to cultivate diverse, just, resilient, and healthy food systems.

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