# Carbon Farming: A New Model of Agricultural Sustainability
In December 2021, a crucial event for European agriculture took place: the European Union Commission launched a historic environmental sustainability initiative, officially introducing the agricultural sector into the carbon credit market through the practice of carbon farming. This ambitious strategy aims primarily to encourage agricultural techniques capable of capturing carbon from the atmosphere, storing it in soils or biomass, and positions itself as a fundamental tool in the fight against climate change.
## What is Carbon Farming?
Carbon farming, which can be translated as “carbon cultivation,” involves implementing remuneration models for practices that sequester carbon in the soil. This process proves particularly effective when combined with regenerative and organic agricultural practices, while intensive farming techniques can be counterproductive. Therefore, reducing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers becomes essential for maximizing the effectiveness of this strategy.
Some practical examples of carbon farming include:
1. **Afforestation and Reforestation**: Promoting biodiversity through sustainable forest management, adapting forests to climate change.
2. **Agroforestry**: Integrating woody vegetation into agricultural and/or livestock production systems within the same land.
3. **Cover Crops and Conservation Techniques**: Using techniques such as “minimum tillage” or “no-tillage” to protect the soil from erosion and increase carbon content.
4. **Environmental Recovery Practices**: Restoring peatlands and wetlands to limit carbon loss and enhance sequestration potential.
Recent studies highlight that grasslands in Europe already absorb 41 million tons of CO2 annually, but with proper agroforestry management, they could potentially store up to 250 million tons of CO2 each year. This would not only contribute to reducing the climate crisis but also promote a significant increase in biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.
## Agriculture in the European Green Deal
Agriculture accounts for approximately 10% of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe and has the responsibility to contribute to climate goals through mitigation measures. The sector is not only a carbon emitter but also a key player in absorbing atmospheric carbon, and this capacity underpins the European Commission’s Carbon Farming Initiative. Projections estimate a reduction of 42 million tons of CO2 in Europe by 2030, supporting the ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, with a vision of climate neutrality by 2050.
## Implementing Carbon Farming
The European Commission has planned several localized pilot initiatives to identify best practices for wider replication. Carbon farming is expected to become a significant source of income for farmers, with estimates suggesting a potential gain between 38 and 58 billion euros. The three main measures to achieve this goal include:
1. **Promoting Carbon Farming**: Integrating carbon farming within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and other EU programs.
2. **Standardizing Methodologies**: Developing methods for monitoring and verifying carbon farming practices, ensuring necessary certification.
3. **Providing Support and Consulting**: Offering assistance to farmers through tailored data and consultancy.
## Certifications and Remuneration in Carbon Farming
Remuneration systems will be based on carbon removal certificates, which certify the amounts of CO2 accumulated by farms following specific carbon farming activities. Effectively certifying such practices is complex.
