Leverage your Wayfindr data for the 45Z federal tax credit or other financial incentives.
GET A CI SCOREWhat is Carbon Intensity?
Carbon Intensity (CI) is the measure of greenhouse gases emitted by a specific activity or chain of activities. CI Scores are based on Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) models published by the US Department of Energy. There are different GREET models for different activities.
For farmers, a CI Score includes everything in the production and delivery of a crop. Certain practices can drastically lower a producer’s CI Score. These practices just happen to also be core to the IWI’s Stewardship Program (SP):
– Cover crops
– Reduced till / no-till
– Reduced inputs (nutrients, chemicals, fuel)
– Increased yields (fewer emissions per bushel)
Wayfindr can serve as documentation for 45Z, and IWI staff can provide field verification if needed, equipping producers to further capitalize on the stewardship activities implemented.
Why Obtain a CI Score?
Starting January 1, 2025, biofuel producers (i.e., ethanol plants) will be eligible for the federal Clean Fuel Production Credit (known as 45Z) if they demonstrate a low CI Score.
Like farmers, there are numerous ways biofuel producers can reduce their CI, and most will use a combination of mitigations to maximize their credit. The fastest, easiest, least expensive way is to purchase low-CI feedstock from producers.
Farmers that can supply a verifiable CI score may see higher market demand and prices for their commodities.
What does it take to generate a CI Score ? Operation data input to the federal GREET 45Z feedstock model (pending release as of October 7, 2024).
CI Score Frequently Asked Questions
GET A CI SCOREWhat makes the IWI CI Score different from other CI Score providers?
The International Water Institute CI Score is independent of agribusiness – no one is trying to sell you anything . The CI Score is a module within the Stewardship Program (SP), an online model that helps producers evaluate various operational actions on a field, and the outcomes of that combination of actions on soil health, water quality, and revenue.
When does the 45Z tax credit start and end? Could political elections change the program?
45Z is scheduled for the 2024-2027 growing seasons (2025-2028 biofuel production years). 45Z is an incentive program, not a regulatory program. Many businesses have invested in activities to receive the credits. For this reason it is unlikely to be reversed.
What value will I receive from a CI Score?
1. An annual federal tax credit, currently estimated at $150 per acre
2. Opportunities for higher crop prices
3. Differentiation from your competition
4. Documentation of your carbon footprint for marketing your products globally
5. Understanding of your farm operation energy use
6. Full access to the IWI Stewardship Program
What is the cost?
There will be a small cost per acre for the 45Z Carbon Intensity (CI) score module of the SP, around 5% of the tax credit producers will gain. More information will be coming in July 2024
Will my contact information be shared? Will anyone be trying to sell me something?
No.
Who owns the data entered?
Producers own their indvidual data. The SP anonymizes and aggregates data to quantify the improvements across all Wayfindr users over time. No information about you or your farm operation is disclosed. A confidentiality agreement signed during the application process describes data ownership and use.
Who will I be sharing information with?
The CI Score module is part of the IWI Stewardship Program. One or more in-person meetings will occur on your farm with an IWI SP Specialist. Invite a trusted agronomist, accountant, or other advisor.
What information is required?
Information including crop yield and commodity price is required. Information describing your operation (crop rotation, tillage, and fertilizer history) for each field enrolled is also required. Precision agriculture data and direct/indirect production expenses are optional.
Am I obligated to IWI or CI Score funders or partners?
No. No personal or business information is shared with funders or partners.
If you choose to also use the Stewardship Program, the IWI reports annually to SP program funders only the anonymized and aggregated expected improvements in water runoff and water quality realized through the SP.
What is the time commitment?
Expect an average of 30 minutes per field data entered.
Can I choose to leave the CI Score program after I sign up?
Yes. Each year you participate you will be charged an annual fee per acre registered. If you choose to exit the program after entering your field information but before receiving your CI Score you will not be refunded because IWI staff time and effort involved in that activity.
Does the CI Score connect to Farm Management Systems?
Not yet, but soon. We’re working to build integrations with common software applications so that you can enter and view data all in one place. Let us know which FMS are important to you. Contact shelly@iwinst.org
Do I need to enroll all my fields?
No. Producers can enroll one or more fields. Wayfindr users report great value in using the summary Stewardship Rating function to assess their entire operation.
Is there a downside to participating?
Participating requires about 30 minutes per field enrolled.
What if I encounter problems?
Discuss questions with your IWI CI Score Specialist at any time.
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