GreenDreamFarmMethaneReductionProject-NativeEnergy.pdfVIP

Green Dream Farm Methane Reduction Project Vermont dairy farm reduces methane and water pollution while increasing efficiency and reducing costs Project Type: Manure Separation, Composting, and Bedding Material Production Location: Enosburg Falls, Vermont Start Year: 2013 Project Life Time: 10 years Carbon Offset Volume: 12,900 metric tons Standard: Verified Carbon Standard Social and Community Co-benefits:  Reduced discharge of excess nutrients into soils and waterways  Added economic stability for small farms Project Story The Green Dream Farm in rural northern Vermont is owned and operated by Chris and Anne Wagner. The 375-head dairy farm supplies the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, which Ben Jerrys relies on for milk sup ply. Ben Jerrys created the Caring Dairy Program to support sustainability initiatives on supply farms. The Green Dream Farm Methane Reduction project is an exemplary case of on-farm sustainability activities intended by the Caring Dairy Program. Ben Jerrys early seed funding was essential in getting the project launched. Economic pressure on small and medium-sized farms has contributed to a steady decrease in the number of farms in Vermont and across the country. Vermont has long valued its agricultural working landscape, and farms are fundamental to the culture and economy of the state. Increasingly, farms rely on innovative solutions like methane reduction to strengthen relationships with customers, decrease expenses, improve profitability, and meet sustainability goals. In part because of agricultural activities, methane is the second most prevalent human-made greenhouse gas in the United States. It has more than 20 times the potency of carbon dioxide pound for pound in driving climate change. Chris Wagner, owner of Green Dream Consequently, methane reduction is a critical climate Farm, is a Ben Jerrys supplier. stabilization strateg