Carbon farming activities enhance carbon storage in forests and soils, and can reward farmers and foresters financially. The Commission has launched a four-week public feedback exercise to gather input on proposed certification methodologies for carbon farming activities.
Land managers, such as farmers and foresters, play a crucial role in delivering these benefits through practices such as rewetting and restoring peatlands, establishing agroforestry systems, adopting soil protection measures, enhancing fertiliser use efficiency, and planting new forests. These climate-friendly practices not only bolster the resilience of landscapes but also fortify bio-based supply chains.
To help land managers scale up climate-friendly practices, the Commission is developing certification methodologies designed to provide farmers and foresters with result-based payments for their climate action. These payments will supplement their income and encourage a transition towards more resilient and sustainable production systems.
The draft certification methodologies for carbon farming activities are now available for public feedback on the “Have Your Say” portal. The consultation closes on 19 February 2026. In addition to the public consultation, the proposed methodologies will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the Carbon Removal Expert Group on 5 February 2026. Stakeholders will be able to follow the discussions via web streaming. The Commission encourages all interested parties to engage actively in this consultation process.
Background
The EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation, enacted on 6 December 2024, introduced the first EU-wide voluntary framework for certifying carbon removals, carbon farming, and carbon storage in products. The CRCF Regulation aims to harmonise the verification of sustainable practices across Europe and to enhance transparency and accountability in carbon mitigation efforts.
To operationalise the goals of the CRCF Regulation, the Commission will adopt certification methodologies as Delegated Acts. These methodologies will provide detailed rules for operators to ensure compliance with CRCF quality criteria. The key criteria include:
- Quantification: Establishing standardised methods for accurately measuring carbon removals and soil emission reductions.
- Additionality: Ensuring that certified activities deliver climate benefits beyond existing practices.
- Storage, Monitoring, and Liability: Setting robust protocols for the secure storage and continuous monitoring of carbon, alongside clear liability frameworks.
- Sustainability: Upholding practices that do not harm environmental sustainability and contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
In addition, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2358 specifies minimum requirements for the dissemination of information regarding the governance and the recognition and operation of certification schemes. It mandates transparency in certification activities, ensuring stakeholders have access to relevant and reliable data about scheme functioning.
