AgriCarbon, a pioneering carbon farming initiative by Anthesis, has made history as the first African programme to achieve Verra certification under the VM0042 Agricultural Land Management methodology. This landmark achievement underscores the growing role of regenerative agriculture in mitigating climate change and highlights Africa’s potential in carbon credit markets.
The Verra VM0042 methodology is designed to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and soil organic carbon (SOC) removals through improved land management practices. By securing certification, AgriCarbon has set a new standard for agricultural carbon projects in Africa, offering farmers an opportunity to earn carbon credits through sustainable farming.
Since its launch in 2021, the programme has worked with 29 farmers across 17,582 hectares in South Africa, implementing regenerative practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and diversified crop rotations. These approaches improve soil health, enhance agricultural productivity, and convert farmlands into carbon sinks that absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. The results speak for themselves—39,207 tonnes of carbon credits have been issued, backed by 70,000 unique data points collected over three years.
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AgriCarbon’s achievement marks a major step forward for climate-smart agriculture in Africa. As the first VM0042 project listed with Verra, it has introduced a scientifically validated soil carbon model specifically tailored for Southern Africa. This milestone proves that regenerative farming is not only viable but also financially rewarding for farmers through carbon credit generation.
Franz Rentel, Managing Director of Anthesis South Africa, emphasized the programme’s role in shaping the industry:
“What was once an uncharted territory is now a thriving sector, with projects worldwide building on what we started. This achievement underscores how bold ideas, backed by strategic expertise, can drive real impact and reshape industries for a more sustainable future.”
AgriCarbon’s Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system ensures transparency and accuracy in emissions reductions. The initiative is further supported by Trace & Save and Intelact, two leading agricultural consultancies that provide technical expertise and independent validation. The entire process has been third-party audited by SCS Global, with additional assessments conducted by the Nutrient Management Institute (NMI) at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
By producing high-quality carbon credits, AgriCarbon provides farmers with an additional revenue stream to support the adoption of regenerative practices. Unlike companies that only purchase offsets, Anthesis actively develops high-impact carbon projects, ensuring real-world environmental and economic benefits.
Arjen Struijk, Global Executive Director for Climate & Nature at Anthesis, highlighted the broader implications of this success:
“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 the clients who use these credits, to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience while contributing to meaningful emissions reductions.”
Looking ahead, Anthesis aims to expand AgriCarbon’s reach, enabling more farmers to participate in carbon markets. The programme will continue providing technical support, training, and tools to maximize carbon sequestration and improve climate resilience. With its proven success, AgriCarbon is positioned to play a crucial role in driving the global transition towards sustainable agriculture. As the programme scales, it invites farmers, partners, and businesses to join the movement and be part of a sustainable farming future.
