Description
Carbon Program is one of the solutions being implemented by eAgronom. The initiative collaborates with food producers and companies to achieve their sustainability goals, from implementing climate-friendly agriculture practices to participating in carbon credit schemes. The initiative’s holistic approach involves changing farming practices to bring multiple business benefits such as getting paid for the carbon credits the farm generates, and getting one’s farm verified to be able to apply for sustainable loans with better interest rates. Carbon program offers a solution to reduce carbon footprint of farmers with monetization scheme through carbon farming.
Technology
Through the Carbon Program, farmers adhere to sustainable farm operations based on tailored carbon sequestration plan provided by eAgronom experts, enabling them to qualify for carbon credit exchange. The process begins with eAgronom performing initial carbon consultation with their clients to develop plans to sequester carbon emissions from farm practices and operations. After receiving advice from eAgronom experts, farmers start planning crop rotation, annual soil coverage, avoid soil compaction, excessive tillage and use precision fertilization among other climate-friendly methods which are implemented over the course of five years. Farmers can view their crop emissions through the Farm Management Software’s GHG dashboard, another tool being implemented by eArgonom. eAgronom then calculates the carbon credits generated on farms based on reduced CO2 emissions and increased carbon levels in the soil. These emissions are checked by third party verifiers where they examine the farm’s crop rotation and yield history, residue management, energy and fuel use, and chemical and organic fertilizer history. Verra, a leading greenhouse gas crediting program, issues carbon credits upon verification of this information, ensuring transparency, credibility, and environmental integrity. Lastly, South Pole ensures the sale of the farm’s carbon credits to corporate buyers and other organizations.
Target
The main beneficiaries of the initiative are medium size to large farm owners, and food producers and companies. Since 2016, over 3 500 farmers have joined the initiative.
Business model
eAgronom takes a share of the farmer’s carbon credits income which are fixed and detailed in Farmer Carbon Contract. The initiative is funded by the European Union under the NextGenerationEu programme and the Entrepreneurs Support Program for Applied Research and Product Development with financial support from the Republic of Estonia.
Impact
eAgronom produced reading materials, blogs, and articles that are freely available to anyone interested in learning about carbon farming.
Partners
Republic of Estonia Ministry of Climate; Entrepreneurs Support Program for Applied Research and Project Development; VERRA; South Pole; European Union; ValueChange; Cool Farm Alliance; Climate Agricultural Alliance
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
Better life
