A Recap of the Truterra Annual Conference
Mar 17, 2025
Landon Van Dyke
Conservation Agronomist
IN EARLY FEBRUARY, Truterra held their annual conference, where they reviewed the past year and shared their future outlook. While the future of 45Z, SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) and other biofuel tax incentives has plenty of uncertainty, Truterra is looking to lead the sustainability space by providing clarity and options for farmers. One major goal for Truterra is to become a host for other carbon and sustainability programs. Instead of sifting through all the options, a farmer can go to Truterra and find the best fit for their operation. Last fall, Truterra and Indigo Ag announced a collaboration to begin industry standardization, which will help strengthen the value proposition for downstream customers (like food companies purchasing carbon offsets) by providing long-term durability.
Truterra is also concentrating on strong licensing protection for farmer data. Not only was this protection mentioned multiple times onstage by presenters, but it was obvious in conversations outside the main sessions that it is important to Truterra. For each program, Truterra reviews and vets what information is passed on to the buyer, and they make sure to place strong restrictions to protect the farmer.
Truterra hasn’t been ignoring livestock producers. They’ve implemented several programs for dairy producers, starting within the Land O’Lakes network. Collaboration has also begun with beef producers, and there are visions for pork and poultry growers too.
Day two of the conference shifted toward policy, beginning with the historical background of biofuel tax credits and government programs going all the way back to the original RFS (Renewable Fuels Standard) and biofuel incentives. Right now, 45Z is in the hands of the U.S. Treasury and IRS, which are responsible for giving implementation guidelines. The previous administration didn’t have prior understanding of biofuels, so when they left it was a mess. Pair that with an administration change where the first quarter is cabinet picks and their agencies getting their feet under them, and we shouldn’t expect a payment anytime soon. This lends to how Truterra is leading in the fogginess of 45Z. To participate in 45Z, a farmer cannot sell carbon credits for the same bushel or crop year. Truterra has decided to delay purchasing 2024 carbon credits from farmers, so the farmers who participated in their 2024 carbon program can retain the option to participate in 45Z if or whenever guidelines come out. I wouldn’t recommend basing grain marketing plans for the 2024 crop around a 45Z premium.
While 45Z is still unclear, don’t wait around and do nothing. Start record-keeping now! The future of emissions programs includes more verification. Companies don’t want to face the backlash from greenwashing. By starting record-keeping, you will be poised to move. If we’re not ready and able to prove with documentation, and a competitive grain producer like Brazil can do so, companies will go to them. If you’re curious about your CI score or how to start record-keeping, contact me and we can begin the journey together.
____________________________________________________________________
Contact Conservation Agronomist Landon Van Dyke at 641-260-2103.
Conservation Agronomist
IN EARLY FEBRUARY, Truterra held their annual conference, where they reviewed the past year and shared their future outlook. While the future of 45Z, SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) and other biofuel tax incentives has plenty of uncertainty, Truterra is looking to lead the sustainability space by providing clarity and options for farmers. One major goal for Truterra is to become a host for other carbon and sustainability programs. Instead of sifting through all the options, a farmer can go to Truterra and find the best fit for their operation. Last fall, Truterra and Indigo Ag announced a collaboration to begin industry standardization, which will help strengthen the value proposition for downstream customers (like food companies purchasing carbon offsets) by providing long-term durability.
Truterra is also concentrating on strong licensing protection for farmer data. Not only was this protection mentioned multiple times onstage by presenters, but it was obvious in conversations outside the main sessions that it is important to Truterra. For each program, Truterra reviews and vets what information is passed on to the buyer, and they make sure to place strong restrictions to protect the farmer.
Truterra hasn’t been ignoring livestock producers. They’ve implemented several programs for dairy producers, starting within the Land O’Lakes network. Collaboration has also begun with beef producers, and there are visions for pork and poultry growers too.
Day two of the conference shifted toward policy, beginning with the historical background of biofuel tax credits and government programs going all the way back to the original RFS (Renewable Fuels Standard) and biofuel incentives. Right now, 45Z is in the hands of the U.S. Treasury and IRS, which are responsible for giving implementation guidelines. The previous administration didn’t have prior understanding of biofuels, so when they left it was a mess. Pair that with an administration change where the first quarter is cabinet picks and their agencies getting their feet under them, and we shouldn’t expect a payment anytime soon. This lends to how Truterra is leading in the fogginess of 45Z. To participate in 45Z, a farmer cannot sell carbon credits for the same bushel or crop year. Truterra has decided to delay purchasing 2024 carbon credits from farmers, so the farmers who participated in their 2024 carbon program can retain the option to participate in 45Z if or whenever guidelines come out. I wouldn’t recommend basing grain marketing plans for the 2024 crop around a 45Z premium.
While 45Z is still unclear, don’t wait around and do nothing. Start record-keeping now! The future of emissions programs includes more verification. Companies don’t want to face the backlash from greenwashing. By starting record-keeping, you will be poised to move. If we’re not ready and able to prove with documentation, and a competitive grain producer like Brazil can do so, companies will go to them. If you’re curious about your CI score or how to start record-keeping, contact me and we can begin the journey together.
____________________________________________________________________
Contact Conservation Agronomist Landon Van Dyke at 641-260-2103.