By Viesturs Deksnis.

As the European Commission moves forward with the implementation of the Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation, new methodologies for the certification of carbon farming removals are taking shape. Speaking with Balticnews.com, Dr. Chiara de Notaris, researcher at the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) and partner at InBestSoil and BIOservicES, discusses the evolving landscape of carbon farming, the ongoing regulatory debates, and what these changes could mean for farmers, consumers, and policymakers across Europe.

How is the European carbon farming certification framework being shaped?

The development of CRCF certification methodologies is driven by expert consultation, regular workshops, and pan-European summits involving scientists, policymakers, and farmers. For carbon farming, one of the central debates revolves around establishing baselines: determining whether specific carbon farming interventions actually remove carbon or reduce greenhouse gases as compared to business as usual. There are several scientific approaches to this, and the process is complicated by the practical challenge that soil carbon and greenhouse gas emissions are invisible to practitioners.

What co-benefits could motivate farmers to engage in carbon farming beyond financial incentives?

Under the framework, carbon farming activities must generate co-benefits for soil health, including improved resilience to climate change. Key co-benefits motivating farmers include better adaptation to drought, enhanced biodiversity, improved nutrient cycling (potentially lowering fertilizer costs), and reduced need for pesticides due to healthier soils. These ecosystem services offer tangible value alongside financial incentives. Within the two European projects InBestSoil and BIOservicES, we are working to propose methodological approaches to value the co-benefits of carbon farming practices, in particular in relation to soil health and soil biodiversity improvements.

How do farmers currently view upcoming regulations? Are they seen as opportunities or burdens?

With methodologies still under development, information clarity is lacking for most farmers. There is pervasive concern that new rules could mean more bureaucracy and incur costs, especially around the effort and expense required for baseline measurements. Importantly, participation in the CRCF remains voluntary – farmers are not compelled to join the certification system.

What happens if a farmer loses carbon due to natural factors after initially capturing it?

The framework accounts for possible reversals, like carbon loss from drought, through “buffer mechanisms”. Soil carbon changes are tracked over medium-term periods (around five years), rather than annually, to smooth out yearly variations.

Will greener agriculture driven by carbon farming raise food prices for consumers?

Current expectations suggest the opposite. Since the CRCF operates as a voluntary market, farmers who participate and perform well can earn additional income, which should not raise food prices. How prices evolve will depend on market dynamics, but the CRCF’s design is not intended to burden end consumers.

What role do EU member states play in ensuring the CRCF works in practice?

Member states are actively involved in shaping CRCF methodologies through expert representation. Practically, national authorities will need to provide guidance for farmers and standardize reporting and registry systems in line with European requirements.

What is the projected timeline for CRCF implementation?

By the end of 2026, key methodologies should be in place, enabling carbon farming certification to start across Europe. Some areas, such as detailed reporting of voluntary co-benefits, will be fine-tuned in future revisions, but the core structure is expected to be operational by that date.

Chiara de Notaris concludes by stressing the value of clear communication and ongoing collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the CRCF delivers practical, accessible benefits for European agriculture and climate resilience.

***

Watch the full interview in the video: