Project Credible opens public consultation on its report on “How to avoid threat to food production and biodiversity and support positive synergies”

The interplay between carbon sequestration, crop yield, and biodiversity is fundamental in the assessment of carbon farming projects, but there is no clear evidence of the sign and direction of these relationships. However, Project Credible’s latest report on “How to avoid threat to food production and biodiversity and support positive synergies” aims to tackle this issue, building upon conversations within one of the project’s Focus Groups and with delegates of important agricultural associations. The document, by Pilar Andrés and Enrique Doblas (CREAF), among other authors, is available here and open for public consultation.

One of the main outcomes of the study is that farm profitability (instead of crop yield) should be highlighted for farmers to adopt carbon sequestration strategies. A holistic management plan needs to be developed before the implementation of carbon projects, preventing the incorrect economic evaluation of regenerative agriculture as an extra cost. In any case, incentives to carbon sequestration should consider adverse conditions, in particular water limitations in dry regions, where the adaptation of the agricultural system is slower.

Moreover, the report suggests that the link between carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation should be emphasized. In this sense, ecological benefits must be viewed within the holistic financial health of the farm, as they contribute to crop resilience against pests and droughts. Carbon programs should contribute to economic sustainability by consolidating the farm business, and compensations for biodiversity conservation should complement those addressing carbon sequestration.

The Focus Group report analyzes these considerations in depth, while providing insights into the perspectives of farmers from different regions and land uses. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your say in this public consultation, which is funded by the European Union and monitored closely by the Expert Group on Carbon Removals that supports the Commission in its ambition to develop the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Certification Framework.