Soil Capital doubles regenerative agriculture farmer payments in 2024

Soil Capital has this year paid more than 800 arable and mixed farmers in the UK, France and Belgium for environmentally friendly farming practices, up from 400 in 2022.

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In 2024, a 16% increase in the value of carbon to £33.05, has seen total farmer payments continue to grow quickly; 2023 farmer payments totaled £3 million*. Across a 240,000 hectare area of farmland, a total carbon impact of 235,000 tonnes was secured comprising emissions reductions and carbon storage, from practices such as: maximising soil cover, giving preference to the use of organic fertilisers and reducing tillage.

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Soil Capital is Europe's first certified initiative that monetises carbon sequestration associated with farms transitioning to regenerative practices, also tracking key indicators such as soil health, water quality, and biodiversity impacts.

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Chuck de Liedekerke, co-founder and CEO of Soil Capital, said: “There are high expectations on farmers when it comes to reimagining resilient food systems, combatting climate change and restoring nature. At Soil Capital we’re on a mission to ensure that this ask isn’t one sided. That’s why we’re quickly growing a community of farmers being paid for

improvements in soil health and conservation of our natural ecosystems – a significant triple win for farmer livelihoods, climate and nature.”

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Alexander Stewart, farmer based in Haddington, East Lothian, added: “We’ve had our share of crop challenges in recent years during our transition to regenerative agriculture, particularly with the latest weather trends. The Soil Capital programme has greatly helped us de-risk that transition, and it’s very exciting to see investment in farmers from the supply chain.”.

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Internationally renowned companies such as Royal Canin, Roquette, Boortmalt and Cefetra purchase Soil Capital Certificates as part of their investment in strengthening and securing their agricultural supply chains and delivering their climate and sustainability goals.

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The Soil Capital programme utilises a reliable methodology certified by a tangible carbon indicator, aligned with corporate objectives to reduce Scope 3 carbon emissions. Programme certificates are consistent with the FLAG requirements of the SBT initiative and are verified by a third party.

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*2024 farmer payments are ongoing with payment cycles every four months.