Soil Association: Agroforestry Carbon Code
The Agroforestry Carbon Code (ACC) project explored the potential for verifying and trading carbon credits from agroforestry systems in the UK. By testing methods on pilot sites, the project developed carbon measurement techniques and assessed financial viability.
This project is one of 24 case studies published in 2024, alongside a report evaluating the process, impact and value for money of NEIRF Rounds 1 and 2.
Access full case studyThe project has established the following objectives:
- Evaluate the potential/requirement for an Agroforestry Carbon Code and identify synergies with other existing carbon codes and protocols (e.g. Woodland Carbon Code and the developing Farm Soil Carbon Code and Hedgerow Carbon Code) – identify and assess relevant components for its development in the UK alongside the implementation of ELM (and other initiatives in the devolved nations) responding to the growing interest in accessing and investing in carbon markets.
- Draft a ‘framework’ for a UK Agroforestry Carbon Code (structure, common clauses, integration with other schemes, evolution over time) based on the principles in 1. and a clear understanding of buyer and seller needs (practicality, affordability etc) to incorporate into other carbon codes as modules or as a stand-alone framework.
- Apply the Agroforestry Carbon Code and test the code on five pilots (up to three financially assessed) representing a range of scale and agroforestry systems, to promote and test its effectiveness and accessibility for farmers, whilst testing the market with potential buyers of Agroforestry credits. Improve the quality and consistency of farm and carbon investment projects being trialled around the UK and evaluate evidence for the climate change mitigation benefits of agroforestry.
Project Aim
To investigate the feasibility and opportunity to generate robust carbon credits from in-field agroforestry systems. Credits might be used for either insetting, as a contribution to a landowner/supply chain net zero strategy or for sale to 3rd parties, as credits for offsetting of unavoidable emissions within a robust emissions reduction strategy.
Project partners
Funding model
Validated projects under existing carbon codes in the UK have proved effective in generating interest from investors and providing access to sellers with carbon credits to sell. However, the existing voluntary carbon markets are still adapting to the UK context and factors such as size of land holdings, evidence of viable future market growth and complexity of farming systems requires an extensive range of options to support a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable farming sector.
The ACC is intended to replicate the revenue generating model of the Woodland Carbon Code by registering carbon units as Agroforestry Carbon Units (ACU). ACUs will provide added income and/or avoided costs through insetting approaches. Only verified ACUs (i.e. representing sequestered carbon dioxide, rather than future sequestration) can be used as a legitimate reporting component of a net zero strategy.
The current use of the UK Land Carbon Registry component of the S&P Global registry by the existing WCC and PC, or any successor, would seem to be a possible registry for any credits generated. These may be nested within existing or developing codes, or as standalone credits. Demand for UK land carbon credits is healthy and growing rapidly, with unit prices rising with demand.
Future Investment Potential
Agroforestry, through the planting of trees can help to mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration and storage. In addition, the introduction and expansion of agroforestry systems can help address other problems including biodiversity loss, water pollution/water runoff and soil erosion. Infield trees provide structure for biodiversity; the area directly around the trees is rarely cultivated allowing semi-natural vegetation to develop alongside the trees. This vegetation, along with the trees themselves, will support a wider range of wildlife species. The trees will support climate adaptation and provide shelter from wind and extreme heat for the semi-natural vegetation, wildlife, crops, and livestock. The trees and the soil surrounding the trees will sequester and store carbon to help mitigate climate change.
In some agroforestry systems, the design of infield trees will help to prevent water runoff during extreme weather events. Trees in all situations, will increase water percolation through enhanced porosity of soils in the vicinity of the trees.
Therefore the Environment Plan Outcomes that are most relevant to this project are:
- Using resources from nature more sustainably and efficiently.
- Mitigating and adapting to climate change.
- Clean and plentiful water.
- Thriving plants and wildlife.
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