Carbon farming good practice publication

Carbon farming is a green business model that rewards land managers for carrying out land management practices that increase carbon sequestration or maintain carbon stores. Our first edition of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Network Projects Brochure reviews carbon farming initiatives funded under the 2014-2020 CAP. The publication aims to inspire new projects to be funded under the CAP that can deliver on the climate objectives set out in the EU Green Deal.

Carbon management practices can foster long-term resilience to climate change while also providing soil protection, water retention, shelter for livestock and crops and benefits for biodiversity. They can also play a role in diversifying the income streams of land managers. EU Member States’ CAP Strategic Plans will be key in providing incentives for land managers, farmers and foresters to increase carbon removals and protect carbon stocks.

These will build on the support provided under the 2014-2020 CAP and can help expand the areas used for agro-forestry and peatland restoration, alongside more widespread support for soil management or maintaining permanent grassland. CAP-funded projects included in our new brochure demonstrate knowledge transfer and activities in the forested areas and peatlands, which are all very relevant for carbon sequestration. You can also discover more about this topic from the work of the ENRD Thematic Group on carbon farming.