Indigo and Microsoft Forge Pathway for Carbon Removal Through Regenerative Agriculture
Indigo and Microsoft Forge Pathway for Carbon Removal Through Regenerative Agriculture
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Indigo Carbon PBC has announced a significant 12-year partnership with Microsoft, setting the stage for one of the largest soil carbon transactions to date. Under this agreement, Microsoft will purchase a massive 2.85 million soil carbon removal credits generated from Indigo's innovative Carbon by Indigo program. This initiative not only underscores the growing trend towards sustainable farming practices but also emphasizes the vital role of regenerative agriculture in mitigating climate change.
This landmark deal marks the third transaction between the two companies, building upon previous acquisitions of 40,000 tonnes in 2024 and 60,000 tonnes in 2025. Microsoft's commitment to becoming carbon negative by the year 2030 aligns perfectly with Indigo's mission to lead in delivering scalable and high-integrity solutions for soil carbon removals. The partnership represents a vital step forward in the fight against climate change while directly supporting the livelihoods of thousands of American farmers across millions of acres.
Regenerative agriculture practices have drawn praise from governmental bodies and major climate organizations alike for their effectiveness in removing carbon emissions. Reports indicate that these methods have the potential to eliminate over 3.5 gigatons of carbon-dioxide equivalent annually, in addition to boosting soil health and improving resilience and yields for crops. In an era marked by increasing water scarcity, regenerative agriculture is also recognized for enhancing water conservation efforts and providing substantial benefits to rural communities.
Meredith Reisfield, the Senior Director of Policy, Partnerships and Impact at Indigo, highlighted the transformative potential of such practices. She stated, "Microsoft's purchase highlights the transformative power of regenerative agriculture to support watersheds, farming communities, and advance global net-zero goals.” The partnership not only signifies a commercial transaction but serves as a catalyst for encouraging broader adoption of sustainable farming methodologies.
Farmers today face numerous financial and environmental challenges. This agreement provides essential economic incentives to adopt regenerative practices, which can enhance farm resilience and create new revenue streams. To date, Indigo has collaborated with farmers over eight million acres and has disbursed approximately $40 million through its various programs, independent of governmental financial assistance.
Phillip Goodman, Microsoft's Director of Carbon Removal, praised Indigo’s unique approach to regenerative agriculture, emphasizing the importance of measurable results and verified credits. He stated, "Indigo is strengthening the carbon market through their commitment to enhancing project quality, championing the improvement of third-party standards, and producing high-integrity carbon removal credits."
This deal also holds significance as it is among the first soil carbon transactions featuring credits approved under the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s Core Carbon Principles. Indigo has achieved impressive results, issuing nearly one million carbon removal credits since 2018, and retains a stringent process to measure and manage risks associated with carbon reversal throughout a long 40-year durability period. This dedication to scientific rigor ensures the impact of carbon removal initiatives is not only immediate but also sustainable over time.
Founded on a principle of delivering proven agricultural solutions, today, Indigo Ag continues to set the standard for environmentally responsible farming. Innovations such as their Carbon by Indigo program are pivotal in connecting farmers with proven practices and investments that enhance soil health and crop resilience.
In conclusion, the recent agreement between Indigo and Microsoft highlights an important frontier in the intersection of technology, sustainability, and agriculture. The partnership cultivates a promising future where both carbon neutrality and enhanced farming practices can coexist, benefitting not just the environment, but also the farmers driving these changes forward.