Good afternoon,
A quick high level update on a number of activities pertinent to the Ecosystem Services Market program. In case you missed our 7/31 webinar update, the presentation and webinar recording can be viewed here.

1. PROTOCOL

The protocol development team met last month in Ardmore OK where they reviewed the appropriate process models for the protocol’s carbon sequestration, water quality, and water quantity modules. They also examined the necessary protocol adaptations needed for the planned agricultural production systems around the country and the staging of pilot testing that will precede the final national launch by 2022.

2. ECONOMICS

The economic assessment team is continuing to examine the landscape of firms that seek to reduce their environmental footprint and the macroeconomic drivers for such initiatives. Their primary and secondary research addresses both regulatory and voluntary demand aspects in the agrifood, agricultural retailer, reinsurance, finance, municipalities, logistics, utilities and others.

3. FARM GATE

Chad and his team have convened the first pilot ranches and continue to develop the producer engagement plan, which includes appropriate decision support tools & methods for optimal producer engagement.

5. POLICY

Bruce who heads up the policy working committee has been paying close attention to the Farm Bill with an eye to bill provisions that might support the ecosystem services market. The current Farm Bill expires at the end of Sept although some opine that there may be a one-year extension of the current bill.

6. COMMUNICATIONS

We received solid proposals in response to our communications RFP calling for an agency to support branding, positioning, and engagement for the ESM program. The selection and award has been slated for Sept.

Thanks to those active ESM members for their continuous contributions to this ambitious effort. I will post another digest update next month.

Best,
Sean Penrith,
Gordian Knot Strategies
spenrith@gordianknotstrategies.com