The Office of Environmental Markets (OEM) supports the Secretary in the development of emerging markets for water quality, carbon sequestration, wetlands, biodiversity, and other ecosystem services. Environmental markets have the potential to become a new economic driver for rural America.
OEM was established in response to the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, America’s Farm Bill. Section 2709 of the Conservation Title directs the Secretary to facilitate the participation of America's farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in environmental markets.
New 2016 USDA Conservation Innovation Grant Opportunity
New USDA, EPA Partnership Supports Water Quality Trading
USDA-EPA Partnership Agreement