Smart Net-Zero

American Farmland Trust | Source  | Download | 

Agricultural conservation easements are pivotal in preserving productive farmland from development, safeguarding food security, and bolstering rural economies. With 2,000 acres lost daily to urban sprawl in the U.S., easements ensure these lands remain available for agriculture while mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with land conversion.

Key Benefits

• GHG Emissions Reduction: Easements prevent agricultural land from being converted into higher-emission urban uses, significantly reducing GHG emissions. For instance, urban areas emit up to 66 times more GHGs per acre than agricultural land.
• Promoting Climate-Smart Practices: Easements encourage farmers to adopt carbon-sequestering practices like conservation tillage and cover cropping, supported by the sale proceeds. This adoption contributes to building climate resilience and enhances carbon sequestration potential.
• Preserving Carbon Sinks: Conserved lands retain their capacity to sequester carbon, whether or not immediate practices are in place, safeguarding long-term environmental benefits.

Program Impact: In FY21, California’s SALC program invested $65 million to protect 27,000 acres, preventing an estimated 2.4 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents. This demonstrates the tangible climate benefits achievable through agricultural easements.

Challenges and Recommendations

• Scaling Up Funding: Increased federal, state, and local funding is crucial to expand easement programs nationwide, given the significant demand and limited availability under current schemes.
• Enhanced Program Evaluation: Standardized methodologies for quantifying climate benefits across easement programs are essential to ensure transparency and effectiveness.