On Wednesday 30 November, the European Commission adopted its proposal for a regulation on the certification of carbon absorption, particularly in agricultural soils. The text sets out four main criteria to ensure the reliability of these carbon credits (see EUROPE 13074/9).
“In view of the multiplication of grassroots initiatives across the continent, an attempt at harmonising and structuring the sector is welcome” said the EU’s agricultural cooperatives and organisations (Copa-Cogeca) in a statement.
However, it is difficult, according to these organisations, to get a clear picture of the framework, as the proposal on the table is still unclear. Indeed, many important elements will be decided by delegated acts. Copa-Cogeca regrets the very restrictive definition of carbon farming practices proposed, “which excludes all mitigation activities from its scope of application”. Only net greenhouse gas removals would be eligible for certification, while mitigation practices that farmers and cooperatives could implement would not be included in the text.
Regarding the proposal on packaging and packaging waste (see EUROPE 13074/7), Copa-Cogeca regrets that some of the targets, in particular regarding the content of recycled plastic packaging and reuse/fill, “overlook the reality on the ground and the implications, in particular for wine, fresh fruit and vegetable producers in a difficult socio-economic context”. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)