Parliament votes on Carbon Removal Certification Framework: Cautious welcome

The European Parliament’s Plenary has voted on their position on the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF). IFOAM Organics Europe welcomes the improvements that had been made compared to the Commission’s proposal.

Most importantly, the Parliament included a requirement for carbon farming to positively contribute to biodiversity and ecosystems protection and restoration. This is crucial to ensure carbon farming does not increase carbon sequestration while harming other aspects such as biodiversity – a pre-requisite for long-term climate mitigation and adaptation.

However, an addition by the Parliament compared to Commission proposal is the possibility to certify emission reductions. These reductions would be measured based on activities and not at farm level. A farm-level approach, however, would consider the entire picture of a farm’s climate impact.

It is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture overall. Any certification of emission reductions should keep the focus on the farm system and not lead to an efficiency focussed approach. Otherwise, this would be to the detriment of animal welfare and soil and water quality.

Currently, the Council and the Parliament are negotiating a final agreement on the text in the trilogues. As IFOAM Organics Europe we are closely following this topic to ensure organic farmers’ voices are heard and avoid greenwashing through carbon certification.

For more information on organic and climate and IFOAM Organics Europe’s work related to this issue:

• Get a visual overview of organic’s many benefits for climate and biodiversity in our infographic,
• Read our document on organic’s benefits for climate and biodiversity,
• Check out our infographics on soil and biodiversity & climate change, and
• Visit our website or contact [email protected]. Do note that we prioritise our members’ requests.

For information about what you can gain from being a member, read our membership page and contact [email protected].