EU approves carbon farming standards

July 14, 2026

The European Commission has officially adopted the first three certification methodologies for carbon farming under the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation, creating a standardized system for verifying climate-friendly land management practices across the European Union.

The newly adopted delegated act establishes detailed technical requirements designed to ensure that carbon farming projects are certified using transparent, reliable, and consistent criteria throughout all EU member states. The move represents a major milestone in the rollout of the EU’s voluntary carbon certification framework.

Three carbon farming activities covered

The certification methodologies apply to three key categories of land-based climate action:

- Sustainable agriculture and agroforestry on mineral soils
- Rewetting and restoration of peatlands and other organic soils
- Afforestation and the creation of new forests

These practices not only remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or reduce greenhouse gas emissions from soils but also deliver a wide range of environmental and economic benefits.

Supporting climate resilience and biodiversity

Beyond carbon sequestration, the approved methodologies promote healthier ecosystems by improving biodiversity, enhancing soil quality, increasing climate resilience, and strengthening essential ecosystem services. They also contribute to safeguarding long-term food production and ensuring a sustainable supply of biomass for Europe's growing bioeconomy.

For farmers, foresters, and land managers, the certification framework creates new economic opportunities. Verified carbon farming activities can attract financial incentives, providing an additional revenue stream while encouraging the wider adoption of sustainable land management practices across Europe.

Major step in implementing the CRCF regulation

The adoption of these methodologies marks another important phase in implementing the CRCF Regulation and expanding the role of carbon farming within the European Union's broader climate strategy.

The technical rules were developed following extensive consultations with stakeholders, including a public consultation process and discussions with the European Commission's Expert Group on Carbon Removals. Their input helped strengthen the methodologies to ensure they deliver a credible, science-based certification system.

What happens next?

Once the Delegated Regulation officially enters into force, certification schemes will be able to apply for formal recognition by demonstrating compliance with both the newly adopted methodologies and the minimum standards established under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2358.

This recognition process will allow approved certification bodies to verify eligible carbon farming projects under the EU-wide framework.

Background: The EU carbon removals and carbon farming regulation

The Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation (EU) 2024/3012, which came into force on 6 December 2024, introduced the European Union's first voluntary certification framework covering carbon removals, carbon farming, and carbon storage in products.

The legislation establishes common quality standards, along with harmonized monitoring, reporting, and verification requirements, ensuring that certified climate-beneficial activities are measured consistently and transparently across the EU.

Certification methodologies are adopted by the European Commission through delegated acts and define the technical criteria operators must satisfy to prove compliance with the CRCF framework. The carbon farming methodologies were refined through expert consultation and stakeholder engagement to create a robust, trustworthy certification system that supports the EU's long-term climate neutrality objectives.