Oct 22, 2024Irrigation supplier Rivulis working with growers to fight climate change
Rivulis, a micro and drip irrigation supplier, discusses agriculture irrigation’s role in combatting climate change.
Agriculture holds a unique double opportunity to reverse adverse climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere. By adopting more sustainable farming practices, farmers can increase their profitability and significantly contribute to environmental goals.
Rivulis, a global leader in micro-irrigation solutions, is at the front of the transformation, providing farmers access to the carbon credit market, simplifying the process and ensuring tangible benefits.
The Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), valued at $2 billion in 2022, is projected to expand dramatically, potentially reaching $50 billion by 2030, according to Citi, driven by growing “net zero” corporate commitments. This market represents a largely untapped opportunity for farmers. Less than 1% of carbon credits originate from the agricultural sector, underpinning the relevance of Rivulis’ climate team. Farmers entering this market can create a new income stream without compromising their current operations, according to a news release.
“Rivulis makes it easier for farmers to participate in the VCM by handling all administrative and registration processes free of charge in exchange for a small percentage of the carbon credit revenue. The estimated cost to register a carbon credit project over time is around $150,000, which Rivulis covers entirely,” Jon Baravir, Rivulis’ climate director, said in the release.
Transitioning to sustainable farming practices and obtaining carbon credits is a complex, long-term process that can take more than 24 months. Rivulis supports farmers from advising on best practices to managing the registration process. Rivulis develops its scientific approaches to measure and model the carbon sequestration impact of such changes, especially in soils and trees, per the requirements of the VCM.
Recommendations include:
• Switching to drip irrigation
• Reducing tillage
• Implementing cover crops
• Using fewer fertilizers
• Incorporating residues into the soil
• Implementing agroforestry practices
The impact of Rivulis’ initiatives is evident in the rapid growth of their listed projects, covering more than 9,884 acres (doubling where it was in early 2024) globally. For example, a collective of row crop farms in Northern Italy and farms in Israel, growing avocados more sustainably, have joined the program. Another farm in Portugal that employs a broad set of sustainable farming practices, such as using solar energy and enriching the organic matter in the soil, is replacing intensive corn cultivation with a native olive grove, according to the release.
Rivulis is in advanced discussions with other growers globally, highlighting the growing awareness and adoption of carbon credits in agriculture.
The European Union has begun placing conditions on sustainable farming for agricultural subsidies, and there is active discussion about similar measures in the U.S. Rivulis Climate prepares farmers in anticipation of any changes that may happen.
Based in Kibbutz Gvat, Jezreel Valley, Israel, Rivulis is a global manufacturer and provider of drip and micro-irrigation systems for orchards, vineyards, greenhouse, soilless, hydroponic and horticulture applications. Founded in 1966, the company is focused on promoting a sustainable agri-food supply chain both to feed and save the planet from the perils of climate change. Rivulis has research centers in San Diego, California, Greece and Israel.
