On 9 July 2026, the European Commission adopted a Delegated Regulation establishing detailed certification methodologies for carbon farming activities under Regulation (EU) 2024/3012. The regulation covers three activity types: agriculture and agroforestry on mineral soils, rewetting and restoration of peatlands and organic soils, and afforestation. It sets mandatory rules for quantification, baselines, additionality, liability, and co-benefits, affecting farmers, foresters, and other land managers seeking certification for carbon removals and soil emission reductions.
The regulation, adopted by the Commission's Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA), specifies that quantification may use on-site measurements, remote sensing, or modelling, with the Commission to develop a validation protocol for models and proximal sensing. Baselines are activity-specific, based on continuation of prior practices, with a downward adjustment for agricultural soil emissions only. A minimum 10% uncertainty deduction is applied, aligned with the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism.
Additionality requirements mandate that operators demonstrate the activity is not required by law, not started before certification application, and that certification generates costs or is not the most viable investment. A transitional derogation applies for early movers (activities started between 2023 and 2027) and those under a scheme later recognised by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2358. Liability mechanisms are required for carbon removals due to reversal risk, but not for soil emission reductions (peatland rewetting, improved fertiliser use), which are considered irreversible; however, resilience practices are required for the latter.
Co-benefits must be addressed through qualitative approaches (biodiversity/ecosystem protection) or action/result-based approaches. The regulation includes a periodic review clause to incorporate technological and scientific progress, including albedo effects and synergies with nature credits.
Farmers and land managers face new compliance costs for certification, including baseline setting, monitoring, and liability insurance, but gain access to carbon credit markets. National authorities must establish certification bodies and oversight systems. The regulation provides flexibility through multiple quantification methods and transitional provisions for early movers, reducing initial burden. Environmental NGOs may welcome the mandatory co-benefits and uncertainty deduction, while industry groups may push for simpler rules to encourage participation. The regulation is a delegated act, so it will enter into force unless the European Parliament or Council objects within two months.