Major Milestones from 2025 

In 2025, the Family Forest Carbon Program hit several key milestones. The program issued its first verified carbon credits, delivered to REI, under Verra’s innovative VM0045 methodology, also earning the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s Core Carbon Principles label. This achievement shows that family-owned forests and their stewards can generate high-quality climate outcomes for a growing voluntary carbon market. 

May marked another highlight as the program enrolled its 1,000th family forest landowner. Enrollment has now grown to over 1,300 landowners, with an average of 137 acres each, expanding the program’s reach across rural communities and smaller properties. 

In the fall, the American Forest Foundation partnered with Netflix on a long-term agreement to purchase carbon credits through the Fields & Forests program, which helps Southeastern landowners establish pine forests on unused or marginal agricultural land. Since its 2024 launch, Fields & Forests has enrolled 46 landowners covering more than 3,000 acres. 

Landowners in the Spotlight 

FFCP landowners also gained recognition in 2025, bringing local stewardship stories to a global audience. Kathy McClure was featured in a BBC film highlighting her participation in the program, while Alisha Logue and Robert Daubach appeared in a Beyond Alliance film showing how Fields & Forests supports both their land and their families. 

Another Year of Growth and Impact 

The program’s growth continues to build year over year. Below is a snapshot of key program highlights from 2025: 

In 2025 alone, payments to landowners totaled $6.23 million. Payments more than tripled compared to previous years, signaling a shift from program momentum to meaningful financial outcomes for participating families. 

Community Updates 

Christine Cadigan, our EVP of Carbon Origination, reflects on the accomplishments and the incredible stewardship of our landowners in her full year-end letter. To read her thoughts and highlights from 2025, click here.  

The American Forest Foundation is offering a limited time opportunity for enrolled landowners in all Family Forest Carbon Program practices and Fields & Forests to receive $500 bonus payments for new landowners they refer who then enroll in FFCP. This referral bonus is available only for new referrals made between September 2025-August 2026, or until funds run out. If you are interested in participating, email referrals@forestfoundation.org. 

This year, we launched a dedicated landowner resources webpage to make participating in the Family Forest Carbon Program easier and more efficient. The page includes program benefits, FAQs, and digital submission forms for required documentation. We’ll continue refining these resources based on landowner feedback to ensure it remains a helpful tool.  

Looking Ahead 

The Family Forest Carbon Program enters the coming year with strong momentum and a growing community of landowners committed to long-term stewardship. We are grateful to everyone who has chosen to participate and look forward to another year of collaboration, growth, and shared progress. 

To learn more about the program or access landowner resources, visit familyforestcarbon.org.