National Farmers Union launched its Carbon Credit Program on Oct. 9 to provide financial incentives for farmers who adopt farming practices that promote environmental stewardship.

The voluntary, private-sector carbon trading program at the Chicago Climate Exchange allows farmers and landowners to earn money for cropping practices such as no-till, long-term grasslands, forestry and other environmentally-friendly practices.

These practices help store or "sequester" carbon and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is one of six greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, producing an increase in the temperature and global warming.

"Farmers can play a key role in helping address one of the biggest environmental challenges confronting our nation, and the world," according to NFU President Tom Buis. "We are thrilled to be a part of this voluntary, private sector initiative that will improve increased environmental stewardship on our nation's farms."

Farmers Union has been approved by the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) to enroll producer acreages of carbon into blocks of credits that will be traded on the CCX, much like other agricultural commodities. Large companies and other entities purchase credits on the CCX to offset their own carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Once the credits are sold, farmers earn income based on the acres they have enrolled.

For more information or an enrollment application, go to www.nfu.org/in-the-states/il/.