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Knowing carbon intensity score is farmer’s first step to SAF market

A conservation specialist says the first step into the sustainable aviation fuel market is for a farmer to know their Carbon Intensity (CI) score.

Mitchell Hora, founder of Continuum Ag, says…

“I think of it as the gallon’s carbon footprint, or the bushel’s carbon footprint,” he says.

He says what farmers do on their farms impacts the carbon footprint of the fuel. 

“And now impacts the ability to monetize via tax credits.”  He says, “So, we definitely encourage farmers be aware that carbon intensity and your data is a big deal. It could end up being valuable.”

The CI score of corn determines its eligibility for use in sustainable aviation fuel. Currently, the standard CI score for corn is 29.1. The Inflation Reduction Act sets a weighted average below 25.

Hora tells Brownfield millions of bushels of corn are already being scored via the Feedstock Calculator, which can be found online.

He says the 45-Z tax credit, which is expected later this year, should present an even greater opportunity for farmers.

“45-Z goes beyond just sustainable aviation fuel and it includes all transportation biofuels that opens up a much larger market,” he says, “much more opportunity for farmers to participate.”

He says a farm’s CI score is comprised of several factors.

“It asks about what is your typical tillage?”  He says, “What’s your typical fertilizer practices? What’s your typical yield? What’s your typical pesticide usage? What’s your typical energy usage from fuel and electricity? But then also, are you using a cover crop? Are you utilizing nutrient stabilizers?”

AUDIO: Mitchell Hora, CEO & founder of Continuum Ag