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Daniel Zimmer shares carbon farming recommendations in Brussels

A large conference room filled with people seated at tables, engaged in discussion and collaboration.

Daniel Zimmer, core member of the Project Credible team and Director of Sustainable Land Use at Climate KIC, was invited last November 27th to present the outcomes and recommendations of the 2nd European Carbon Farming Summit at a high-level event hosted by the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2025.

The session brought together representatives from numerous EU Member States, as well as delegates from EU Agriculture and Food and EU Environment and Climate. The panel featured contributions from Hugh McDonald (Ecologic Institut), Katrin Heeren (FoodDrinkEurope), and Patrick Pagani (COPA COGECA), and was moderated by Eva Jensen of the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Key insights from the discussion included:

  • Putting farmers’ needs at the centre of a just, climate-aligned transformation of the agri-food sector.
  • Developments in the carbon market under the CRCF, including the progressive integration of livestock emissions and the need to engage private sector and financial institutions.
  • The importance of de-risking investments for farmers, supported by guarantee mechanisms that make climate-positive transitions viable.
  • The need to reduce MRV costs, especially through remote sensing, so that smaller farms can participate meaningfully.
  • The emerging role of banks, which are developing transition packages for farmers moving toward climate neutrality.

The Danish Presidency also shared its ambitious climate agenda, including plans to set aside 16% of agricultural land for peatland rewetting and afforestation, and the introduction – after 2030 – of a methane emissions tax for farmers not engaging in reduction efforts. In addition, the event pointed out the major incentives that drive farmer engagement, such as strengthening climate resilience, water retention, and soil fertility through soil carbon sequestration, and expanding renewable energy production on farms, boosting both sustainability and economic viability.

Events like this highlight why platforms such as the European Carbon Farming Summit and Project Credible are essential, connecting policymakers, practitioners, and innovators to ensure that climate action in agriculture is both credible and farmer-centered.

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