Introduction to the Roundtable Discussion
The online roundtable, titled “Carbon Credits Certification and Policy Recommendations,” co-organized by i-BEC and Reframe.Food, was successfully completed under the framework of the CARBONICA Excellence Hub project. This event gathered experts and stakeholders to discuss critical issues surrounding carbon farming, certification, and policy frameworks within the European Union.
Carbon Certifications and Regulatory Challenges
Grigoris Chatzikostas, Coordinator of the CARBONICA project, opened the roundtable discussion by providing an insightful overview of the project. His presentation covered the project’s primary objectives, including fostering innovative ecosystems, engaging stakeholders, aligning with the EU’s carbon farming frameworks, and setting the stage for a deeper conversation on carbon farming practices and policies within the European Union.
Following Chatzikostas’ introduction, Paraskevi Chantzi, Research Coordinator from i-Bec, offered a detailed presentation on the framework of carbon certifications. She outlined the key activities that are essential for ensuring successful carbon farming practices and designing effective payment schemes. Her insights underscored the importance of clear guidelines and certification processes in achieving measurable outcomes in carbon removal efforts.
Ricardo Becker, member of the Credible Project’s coordination team, provided valuable perspectives on carbon removals. He discussed the complexities involved in carbon farming regulations currently in place within the EU. Becker’s contribution highlighted the regulatory hurdles that must be navigated to implement carbon removal strategies effectively, underscoring the importance of harmonizing practices across different countries.
Regional Perspectives and Sustainable Financing
The roundtable discussion, moderated by Eva Sarigiannidou and Daphne Kitsou, featured contributions from key speakers, including Vasko Karagelenski, Chara Christodoulou, Nikos Tziolas, and Ricardo Becker. It delved into the challenges and future prospects of carbon credits and certification within the agricultural sector, with a particular emphasis on the CARBONICA project.
Most of the discussion focused on the critical role of certification for landowners, the need for collaboration among stakeholders, and the importance of meeting project objectives. Vasko Karagelenski stressed the need for digital transformation in farming, particularly in regions with lower carbonization potential, highlighting how technology can enhance efficiency and sustainability. The integration of climate-friendly practices in the agricultural sectors of Greece, Northern Macedonia, and Cyprus was also explored. The roundtable emphasized the importance of innovation ecosystems, such as the Excellence Hub, in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Speakers Chara Christodoulou and Nikos Tziolas highlighted the urgent need for sustainable financing and comprehensive financial support for smallholder farmers entering carbon markets. They also stressed the importance of standardizing terminology and developing robust policy initiatives to foster a unified approach to carbon farming. The potential benefits of transitioning to digital agriculture were a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Vasko Karagelenski emphasized how digital solutions could improve traceability, increase the quality of agricultural products, and enhance data acquisition. These innovations are crucial to building a more efficient and transparent carbon farming ecosystem, where data plays a central role in monitoring and improving farming practices.
What do you believe could be a viable financial support policy?
The data from a poll conducted during the online roundtable reveals key insights into viable financial support policies for farmers entering the carbon economy. The majority of participants (57.1%) believe that European funding offers the most effective form of support. Pre-payment options were favored by 31.4% of respondents, while both low-interest loans and crop insurance were seen as less significant, with each receiving 5.7% of the votes.
These results underscore the importance of direct financial backing to foster the transition to carbon farming practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the speakers highlighted the critical role of European funding in supporting carbon farming initiatives. They discussed the importance of fostering trust and transparency in quantifying and rewarding the efforts of farmers. Additionally, the need for policy solutions, capacity building, and post-CARBONICA collaboration was emphasized as vital for ensuring the long-term success of these initiatives.
“Use of Data Resources in Carbon Farming: Baseline Scenarios for Upscaling and Upfront Costs” is the title of the upcoming online roundtable, selected through a poll conducted during the first roundtable event.
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