#Tel Aviv #Turkey #Orbia Netafim #Virridy #Carbon Credit

Orbia Netafim and Virridy Launch Carbon Credit Program in Turkey

In a significant move for sustainable agriculture, Orbia Advance Corporation's Precision Agriculture unit, Netafim, has united with Virridy, a pioneer in environmental technology, to introduce a groundbreaking carbon credit program in Turkey. The initiative is set to cover more than 1,000 hectares of farmland, focusing on the cultivation of alfalfa, corn, and sugar beet. By implementing these practices, the program could help reduce carbon emissions by at least 3.5 tons of CO₂e for every hectare annually.

Objectives of the Carbon Credit Program

The newly initiated carbon credit program aims to incentivize farmers to adopt sustainable and regenerative agricultural methods. This includes employing precision irrigation, as well as utilizing digital farming and automation solutions that can effectively lower greenhouse gas emissions while improving carbon sequestration. The synergy of carbon finance and sustainable water use sets a model that other irrigated regions across the globe can eventually adopt.

This partnership builds on the prior achievements of Orbia Netafim, which has successfully launched carbon credit initiatives in diverse agricultural settings. Notably, in 2022, it rolled out a pioneering carbon credit program for drip-irrigated rice, which dramatically cut methane emissions while optimizing water, energy, and fertilizer usage. With this new partnership, Orbia Netafim is poised to expand its carbon credit efforts by applying precision irrigation techniques to crops such as sugar beet and corn in Turkey.

Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions at Orbia, expressed enthusiasm about this initiative, stating: "Following our leadership in the carbon space, we are excited to take the next step with this project in Turkey and explore its potential impact in other countries. This partnership with Virridy not only reinforces our commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture but also offers farmers opportunities for enhanced water management, lower input costs, and a new revenue avenue through carbon credits."

Virridy's Role in the Initiative

Virridy, leveraging its expertise in water-focused carbon finance, will spearhead the generation of carbon credits. They will utilize state-of-the-art Digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (DMRV) capabilities, which will quantify water and climate benefits effectively while providing a scalable finance model for partners involved in the irrigation sector. With Orbia Netafim's vast experience in precision irrigation, farmers will have the capacity to enhance their yields while simultaneously reducing their environmental impact.

Evan Thomas, CEO at Virridy, commented, "Orbia Netafim's innovative approach in precision irrigation has yielded substantial environmental and economic advantages. We are thrilled to pave a new way for farmers to enhance their water efficiency, cut down emissions, and generate extra revenue through carbon credits. This collaboration establishes a vital link between agriculture and carbon finance, making sustainable agricultural practices more accessible and economically feasible for farmers worldwide."

Future Prospects and Expansion Plans

As the first year of this initiative unfolds, plans are already in motion to broadly scale the program across Turkey and potentially to other nations in the near future. With firms like Orbia Netafim and Virridy at the forefront, the future of sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly practices appears promising.

Orbia Advance Corporation operates several business units that focus on advancing life globally — from ensuring food and water security to promoting energy transitions. The Precision Agriculture sector, headed by Netafim, continues to be the heartbeat of Orbia's eco-sustainable endeavors, enhancing the global agricultural framework one innovation at a time.

For more information on this groundbreaking project, visit Orbia's official site or Netafim's website.