U.S. Dairy Farm GHG 101

Measuring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) is a core component of all sustainability programs, from insetting to carbon crediting. The rigor of MRV programs is driven by how the GHG benefits are claimed. For individual dairy or general industry reporting, the rigor does not need to be that high. For participation in insetting programs, the rigor is moderate. For the generation of carbon credits, the rigor is higher. And for use in compliance markets, the rigor is the highest. Measuring or Monitoring is the practice of collecting data and information on actions and quantifying the impact or mitigation of those actions.

Reporting is the format a program uses to make the monitoring and reporting data accessible to stakeholders.

Verification is the review of the report with the measurement and reporting data. This is typically performed by an independent third party to ensure accuracy and conformance with the program’s procedures. Carbon credit programs each have their own, specific MRV requirements detailed in their protocols. To generate credits, these requirements must be followed. Because insetting programs are still evolving, the MRV requirements are in development. In September 2022, the GHG Protocol, the leading organization for GHG reporting for corporations, published five draft MRV guidance documents for companies to report GHG emissions associated with agriculture. 30 Some programs, such as SBTi, already state their preference for using this guidance. One of the guidance documents lists 104 different calculation resources that can be used to quantify GHG emissions from the land sector. The two tools mentioned at the beginning of this report—FARM ES and the Cool Farm Tool—are included in the list. 31 The Cool Farm Tool is also specifically referenced in IPI’s program. Both of these tools are expected to be accepted by insetting programs.

MEASURING, REPORTING, and VERIFICATION

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