Commission seeks views on future voluntary certification for carbon farming

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to collect views on proposed certification methodologies for carbon farming activities. Carbon farming includes practices that help store more carbon in forests and soils and can provide extra income for farmers and forest owners.

To help land managers scale up climate-friendly practices such as rewetting and restoring peatlands or adopting soil protection measures, the Commission is developing certification methodologies designed to provide them 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.

In 2024, the EU introduced its first EU-wide voluntary framework for certifying carbon removals, carbon farming activities, and carbon storage in products. The goal is to apply the same standards across Europe and to make climate mitigation efforts clearer, more transparent and easier to verify.

Farmers, businesses, and other interested parties involved in carbon farming activities are invited to provide feedback to the consultation available on the Have Your Say portal until 19 February 2026. In addition, the proposed rules will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the Carbon Removal Expert Group on 5 February 2026. Overall feedback will be valuable contributions towards the final voluntary certification for carbon farming.

More information on the carbon farming methodologies consultation is available online.

Source: European Commission