New acreage enrolled in farmers’ [climate scam] program |  Jamestown, North Dakota

“To date Farmers Union has sold nearly $10 million worth of soil carbon offsets through the Chicago Climate Exchange,” said Carlson. “Agriculture provides an immediate and proven way to offset emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.”

NDFU has historically sold its pool of carbon credits in the spring and summer and returned proceeds to contract holders in July. This year, however, the Chicago Climate Exchange market has been slow so NDFU anticipates disbursing proceeds later than usual.

“It’s a lot like marketing durum,” said Dale Enerson, the Carbon Credit Program director. “You know it’s in the bin and you can wait for a better price.”

Carlson said NDFU is committed to the program and will stay in it regardless of price.