AgriCarbon, the pioneering carbon farming programme by Anthesis, has made history by becoming the first initiative in Africa to achieve registration and carbon credit issuance under Verra’s VM0042 Agricultural Land Management methodology.
This milestone not only positions AgriCarbon at the forefront of regenerative agriculture on the continent but also marks a significant step in the fight against climate change.
Verra’s VM0042 methodology quantifies greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and soil organic carbon (SOC) removals resulting from improved agricultural land management practices.
Through AgriCarbon, farmers adopt regenerative techniques such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and diversified crop rotations. These sustainable practices enhance soil health, boost productivity, and convert farmland into carbon sinks, effectively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
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Since its inception in 2021, AgriCarbon has worked with 29 farmers across 17 582 hectares, leading to the issuance of 39 207 tonnes of carbon credits. The programme’s impact is backed by an extensive dataset of 70 000 unique data points collected over a three-year monitoring period, reinforcing its leadership in climate-smart farming.
Big achievement for African agriculture
Franz Rentel, managing director of Anthesis South Africa, highlighted the significance of this achievement.
He said, “We launched AgriCarbon in 2021, and as the first VM0042 project listed with Verra, it was the first soil carbon model to be independently validated for Southern Africa. Our goal from day one was to revolutionise regenerative farming, and we are proud to have played a pivotal role in this transformation.”
He added, “Innovation is central to Anthesis, and this milestone reflects our commitment to sustainable solutions. What was once uncharted territory is now a thriving sector, with projects worldwide building on what we started. This success proves that bold ideas, backed by strategic expertise, can drive meaningful impact and reshape industries for a more sustainable future.”
Ensuring accuracy and transparency
AgriCarbon’s success is underpinned by a rigorous monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system, ensuring credibility in emissions reductions and removals. This accomplishment was made possible through partnerships with leading agricultural consultancies Trace & Save and Intelact, whose expertise supports the programme’s MRV system.
The process was independently validated and verified by third-party auditor SCS Global, with the soil carbon model receiving independent assessment from the Nutrient Management Institute (NMI) at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
Craig Galloway, director of Trace & Save, reflected on the journey.
He said, “When AgriCarbon approached us in 2021 with a vision for a pilot project, we saw an opportunity to support independent, science-based sustainable agriculture in South Africa. The path to issuance has been long but rewarding, filled with valuable learnings. Now, our farmers can generate carbon credits, recognising their commitment to sustainability.”
Scaling sustainable agriculture
By generating high-quality carbon credits, AgriCarbon provides farmers with an additional revenue stream, helping them overcome financial barriers to adopting regenerative practices.
Unlike many organisations that simply source offsets, Anthesis actively develops its own high-impact carbon projects, creating tangible benefits for soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Arjen Struijk, global executive director for climate and nature at Anthesis, noted AgriCarbon’s broader mission.
“Through AgriCarbon, we are committed to helping companies and governments achieve their net zero and nature-climate goals. By scaling this vital climate solution, we are enabling farmers, and clients using these credits, to advance soil health, biodiversity, and resilience while significantly reducing emissions.”
Looking ahead, Anthesis aims to expand AgriCarbon’s reach, inviting more farmers worldwide to participate in carbon markets and contribute to climate action. The programme will continue providing farmers with technical support, training, and tools to maximise carbon sequestration and enhance climate resilience.
Pieter van Niekerk, principal sales manager for AgriCarbon, issued a call to action: “As the programme scales, we invite farmers, partners, and businesses to join AgriCarbon in creating meaningful impact. Together, we can cultivate a future where every crop nurtures the planet.”
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