Climate Change

The Climate Commitment Act is coming. How will it impact Washington agriculture?

On January 1st, 2023, major portions of the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) will launch in Washington State. This ambitious law is part of Washington’s plan to eliminate or offset all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. The Washington State Department of Ecology estimates that agriculture accounts for 6.7% of the total emissions in Washington.

Soil furrows in a field with a tractor in the background.

Using Timing of Risks and Benefits to Breed Barley for Future Climates

Barley, like wheat, can be sown in the fall, overwinter, and grow and mature the next season, or can be planted in the early spring, and have a shorter, quicker growing season. For a variety of reasons, however, spring barley is considered “the good one” for malting and producing beer.

Headshot of Patrick Hayes in front of a green field

The Basics of Carbon Markets and Trends: Something to Keep an Eye On

The ability to store carbon in soils—to sequester carbon—has been receiving increased attention lately, including on AgClimate.net. Recent posts included articles about potential for croplands in the inland Pacific Northwest to sequester carbon and an article on the emerging carbon markets and their relevance for fruit and vegetable producers.

We wish you lower carbon emissions sign