Author: Simon Haldrup, Agreena CEO

At Agreena, we've been asking ourselves a crucial question: How can we scale regenerative agriculture and ensure that soil carbon finance is delivered with integrity?

The answer lies in data. Reliable data serves as the critical cornerstone underpinning the entire value chain in the delivery of credible soil carbon outcomes.

The registration of Agreena's pan-European soil carbon project under Verra's world-leading Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) marks a defining milestone. It's not just a win for Agreena, but a breakthrough for the entire regenerative agriculture movement.

Why? Because soil carbon sequestration could potentially account for up to a quarter of the worldwide effort required to limit global warming to under 2 degrees. Regenerative agriculture practices offer a comprehensive solution with enormous potential for climate, ecosystems, and communities. However, to achieve broad farmer adoption and backing, increased engagement in carbon finance is essential.

At Agreena, scientifically robust, reliable, and transparent data sits at the heart of all that we do. It's not just about numbers – it's about trust. Data ensures that what we measure aligns with what's happening literally 'on the ground', enabling carbon financiers to trust that the impacts they pay for are real, verifiable, and lasting, and ultimately deliver much-needed carbon finance to farmers.

Accounting for soil carbon is complex. Regenerative agriculture projects call for meticulous data-driven measurement, reporting, and verification with continuous monitoring to deliver at scale with integrity. This data is essential to corporates to enhance their reporting and substantiate claims with credibility.

Our project introduces a new paradigm: the potential to work with farmers to transform vast areas of conventional agricultural fields into effective carbon sinks. With Agreena's grouped project covering millions of hectares across multiple European countries, we're addressing two significant challenges in the voluntary carbon market:

1. Scalability of nature-based solutions

2. Integrity of carbon credits

Our high-integrity credits, traceable to individual farmers and specific fields, set a new standard for transparency and accountability. This innovation not only enhances market confidence but also positions Agreena as a leading supplier of nature-based solution credits in a market actively seeking high-quality, verified carbon credits.

European companies, driven by stringent regulatory requirements and a high concentration of climate leaders, now have an opportunity to support the transition to regenerative agriculture and take impactful climate action on home soil.

By leveraging regenerative agriculture practices combined with rigorous digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (dMRV) practices, Europe can deliver real, quantifiable carbon sequestration. This development ensures that Europe can take significant strides towards self-sufficiency in achieving net zero targets.

The benefits extend far beyond carbon sequestration. Healthier soils directly enhance carbon storage while fostering biodiversity, creating thriving ecosystems where microbes, birds, bees, and plants can coexist and flourish. While these co-benefits can't be monetised today, their long-term value in building a climate-resilient future for Europe is undeniable.

This is the first time an agricultural cropland project of this scale has been registered under Verra's VCS. Our achievement demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to scale carbon removal globally, offering a blueprint for other regions and markets to follow.  

In summary, the registration of the AgreenaCarbon Project under Verra's VCS represents a breakthrough for regenerative agriculture, the voluntary carbon market, and nature-based solutions. It provides farmers with financial incentives to deliver valuable ecosystem services, and businesses and policymakers with a validated model to drive sustainable change. 

As we celebrate this milestone, we're also looking ahead. This is just the beginning of a new era in sustainable agriculture and climate action. Together, we can cultivate a greener, more resilient future for our planet.

I could go on, but I'll let our actions speak for themselves. The nascent soil carbon market is unlocking, and data is the key. At Agreena, we're committed to leading the way with integrity, transparency, and a data-driven approach to regenerative agriculture. 

Scaling our farmer-centric approach will always be at the forefront, ensuring that the transition to regenerative agriculture benefits those who matter most - the stewards of our land.