October 14, 2024.3 minutes

AgreenaCarbon programme: How to check your eligibility in 6 simple steps

What is a carbon programme?

A carbon programme allows farmers to adopt climate-friendly practices and receive carbon credits in return. Carbon credits represent the reduction or removal of one tonne of CO2 equivalent from the atmosphere. Farmers earn these credits by implementing sustainable land management practices that have the ability to sequester carbon in the soil and reduce emissions in comparison to the baseline period.

The Agreena Carbon Programme

The AgreenaCarbon programme is designed to support farmers in transitioning to regenerative practices, such as reduced tillage and cover cropping while offering financial incentives in the form of carbon credits. These credits can be sold on the voluntary carbon market, providing an additional revenue stream for farmers committed to sustainable agriculture.

Carbon programme eligibility

But how do you know if your fields are eligible? In this guide, we break down the six-point eligibility criteria you need to meet to participate and start generating credits.

Tillage diagnosis helps farmers assess their eligibility for programme — Tillage diagnosis helps farmers assess their eligibility for the programme

1. Intent to change

To participate, you must demonstrate the intent to stop conventional tillage or continue maintaining reduced or no-till practices on your fields. This approach supports reducing soil disturbance and improving carbon sequestration. See the tillage diagnosis sheet for further classification on conventional, reduced, and no-till categories.

2. Location

Your fields must be located in a country where Agreena operates. Currently, these countries include:

Bulgaria
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany

Poland, and many more.

Map of countries eligible for the programme

3. Data availability

To participate, you need at least five years of historical land management data. This allows Agreena to assess your farm’s progress and ensure compliance with carbon sequestration practices. If you don’t have this data, don’t worry—Agreena can discuss possible options with you.

4. Land use

Only fields designated for arable land use are eligible. This programme does not support fields used for other purposes, such as livestock grazing or agroforestry systems.

5. Eligible practices

Your fields should not have livestock grazing or woody perennials. However, using external animal manure is incentivised under Agreena’s programme, making it a sustainable way to boost soil health.

6. Eligible crops

The crops you grow must be on Agreena’s crop list. These crops generally consist of cereals (like wheat, barley, and oats), oilseeds (such as rapeseed), legumes (peas, beans), and various other cash crops. The programme ensures that only crops with a significant potential for carbon sequestration are included, supporting farmers in making sustainable choices. Not sure if your crop qualifies? You can contact Agreena to explore options and discuss your crops.

Bonus: How to continue earning credits every year

To continue earning credits year after year, you need to follow an annual checklist:

Adopt or maintain reduced soil disturbance
Implement one or more sustainable practices:
- Cover crops
- Organic manure
- Mulching (leaving crop residue on fields)

The more hectares you dedicate to these practices, the greater your earnings potential. Farmers who maximise sustainable practices can also see long-term soil health benefits.

Conclusion

The AgreenaCarbon programme is an excellent opportunity for farmers to adopt more sustainable practices while earning carbon credits. By following these simple eligibility guidelines and implementing annual sustainable practices, you can maximise your impact and income. Ready to join Agreena?