Agriculture offers a unique opportunity to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere. According to Jon Baravir, Climate Director at Rivulis, “Adopting more sustainable farming practices not only allows farmers to increase their profitability, but also contributes significantly to environmental goals.” In this sense, Rivulis leads this transformation by facilitating farmers’ access to the carbon credit market, simplifying the process and guaranteeing concrete benefits.

What is the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM)?

The Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) is a system in which companies, organizations and individuals purchase carbon credits to offset their greenhouse gas emissions, on a voluntary basis, outside of mandatory regulatory requirements.

According to Citi Bank, as of 2022, the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) is valued at $2 billion, and is now projected to expand dramatically, potentially reaching $50 billion by 2030, driven by growing corporate commitment to net zero.

In this way, farmers entering this market can create a new revenue stream without compromising their current operations.

“Rivulis Climate makes it easy for farmers to participate in the VCM by handling all administrative and registration processes for free, in exchange for a small percentage of carbon credit revenue. The estimated cost to register a carbon credit project over time is around $150,000, which Rivulis fully covers,” says Baravir.

Transitioning to sustainable farming practices and obtaining carbon credits is a complex and long-term process that can take upwards of 24 months. Rivulis supports farmers at every step, from advising on best practices to managing the registration process.

Rivulis develops scientific approaches to measure and model the carbon sequestration impact of such changes, especially on soils and trees, in accordance with MCV requirements. Recommendations include switching to drip irrigation, reducing tillage, implementing cover crops, using less fertilizer, incorporating residues into the soil, and applying agroforestry practices.

What has been the impact of this initiative?

The impact of Rivulis’ initiatives is evident in the rapid growth of its listed projects, which cover more than 4,000 hectares (doubling the number from just 6 months ago) globally. For example, a row crop collective in northern Italy covering 3,000 hectares, and 150 hectares of farms in Israel, growing avocados more sustainably, have joined the program.

Similarly, another farm in Portugal, which employs a broad set of sustainable farming practices, such as using solar energy and enriching organic matter in the soil, is replacing intensive corn farming with an indigenous olive grove.

“This achievement underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and demonstrates our ability to advance complex agronomic solutions and climate-resilient models that generate significant environmental and economic benefits,” shares Baravir.

What will be the benefits for farmers?

New revenue stream: Carbon credits provide additional income without disrupting operations.

Sustainability: Adopting regenerative farming practices leads to healthier soils, increased biodiversity, and reduced chemical use.

Recognition: Farmers are recognized for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and capturing carbon.

Future-readiness: Staying ahead of regulatory and customer demands regarding environmental impact.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture will become a global policy.

The European Union has begun imposing conditions on sustainable agriculture for agricultural subsidies, and there are active discussions about similar measures in the US.

“We invite farmers, stakeholders and the farming community to join together to shape the future of agriculture. Participating in the Rivulis Climate programme means that farmers benefit economically and contribute to global environmental efforts,” Baravir continues.

The Voluntary Carbon Market offers a promising avenue for farmers to increase profitability while contributing to climate change mitigation.