European Commission adopts CRCF certification methodologies for carbon farming
- The Commission adopted three certification methodologies under the CRCF delegated act C(2026)4666.
- Methodologies cover agriculture and agroforestry on mineral soils, rewetting/restoration of peatlands and other organic soils, and afforestation.
- The EU CRCF Regulation entered into force on 6 December 2024; Implementing Regulation 2025/2358 sets minimum requirements for scheme recognition.
- Methodologies were developed after a public consultation and input from the Expert Group on Carbon Removals; recognised schemes can apply once the Delegated Regulation enters into force.
Adoption
The European Commission adopted a delegated act (C(2026)4666) establishing three certification methodologies for carbon farming under the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation.
Scope
The delegated act covers agriculture and agroforestry on mineral soils, the rewetting and restoration of peatlands and other organic soils, and afforestation. The methodologies set out the technical rules operators must follow to demonstrate compliance with CRCF quality criteria.
Benefits
The methodologies aim to ensure a harmonised, transparent and credible approach across the EU, recognising co‑benefits such as increased landscape resilience, biodiversity and longer‑term security of food and biomass supply, and helping land managers access financial rewards for sustainable practices.
Implementation
The CRCF Regulation entered into force on 6 December 2024. Certification schemes can apply for recognition of compliance with these methodologies and the minimum requirements in Implementing Regulation 2025/2358 once the Delegated Regulation enters into force. The methodologies were prepared following a public consultation and discussions with the Expert Group on Carbon Removals.
Source: European Commission
