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Interest in carbon credits are growing in Europe while farmers wait for programs to be validated

A farmer from Belgium says he’s trying to help create a greener supply chain by piloting a pair of carbon credit programs.

Robert de l’Escaille grows a variety of 32 crops including corn and soybeans and says he’s trying to maximize crop output. “Meaning look at the natural capital in a way they need to enhance it, develop it, augment the carbon in the soil in order to be more resilient.”

He tells Brownfield carbon credits are not validated, but the European government and large companies are trying to incentivize farmers.  “Big companies like Nestles of the world, the bakers, the bakery’s – are trying to source produce that has a low-carbon impact. There is a need for this measurement. There is a need for this certification.”

Mark Titterington, head of sustainability, policy and European Marketing with Indigo Ag, says there aren’t many opportunities for the EU to meet their climate targets. “Emission reduction will only get us so far, but carbon removals are critical in hitting those targets. Agriculture and agriculture soils offer one of the most immediate, predictable scales for doing that.”

He says farmers should play a larger role. “What we’ve all asked them to do in terms of sustainability hasn’t necessarily been rewarded in the way it should’ve.  Now, we’ve created this separate parallel, mutually reinforcing revenue stream, it’s a separate revenue stream, that allows them to be rewarded for that sustainability or climate-action effort that they’re making.”

They spoke with Brownfield at Indigo Ag’s carbon credit issuance event at the Chicago Board of Trade.

Robert de l’Escaille:

Mark Titterington, head of sustainability, policy and engagement and European Marketing with Indigo Ag: