The article discusses mounting pressure to reform soil carbon markets so that they become fairer and more accessible to small-scale regenerative producers. While carbon markets are increasingly promoted as tools to fight climate change, critics argue that the current system disproportionately favors large, industrial farms. Entry barriers such as high participation costs, complex verification procedures, and narrowly defined methodologies often prevent smaller farmers—who are already applying regenerative practices that improve soil health and store carbon—from accessing these opportunities.

Industry voices and sustainability advocates are calling for changes in policy and market design. Suggested measures include streamlining certification and monitoring processes, reducing transaction costs, creating aggregated schemes or cooperatives for smallholders, and expanding recognition of diverse carbon-farming methods beyond conventional metrics. Without these adjustments, the risk is that carbon markets will exclude regenerative smallholders, undermining both climate goals and rural equity.