GUIDE FOR FARMERS
If you have a farm, you may be wondering where to start. Here we explain the process and the costs to consider before making a decision.
Go to costsSTART WITH THE ESSENTIALS
First you have to demonstrate that a specific practice improves the result compared to what would have happened without the project. It takes data, time and an external review. See the calculation for an example olive grove ↗
THE PATH
Identify plots, crops and how they have been worked until now. You also have to check what new practices could be applied.
Choose an accepted method of calculation, establish a starting point and decide which soil data to collect.
Apply agreed practices and keep evidence of what is done. The result is observed during the required time.
An independent body reviews the project and checks the measured results. It may request corrections or reject figures.
If everything is approved, the units are issued in the registry of the chosen program. Only then can we talk about certified credits from that program.
WHAT APPLIES IN SPAIN
In 2026, the European Commission adopted methodologies for agricultural and agroforestry activities on mineral soils. An olive grove could be studied in this way if the parcel and practices meet the requirements and a recognised programme is used. Having hectares does not automatically give credits.
See EU methodologies ↗The current guidance for the MITECO carbon removals register lists afforestation and restoration of areas affected by forest fires. An existing dryland olive grove is not registered simply because it has trees.
See MITECO requirements ↗A carbon estimate is not yet a credit: an applicable methodology, measurement, an independent audit and issuance in the relevant registry are required. Status checked on 6 October 2026: recognition requests shown by the European Commission ↗ are still under evaluation; It is advisable to check which program is recognized for the activity before hiring.
WHAT YOU ASK THE MOST
There is no single European rate per hectare. For a Spanish olive grove, the cost depends on the farm, the measurements required, the duration and the applicable certification programme.
Initial study, documentation and work plan.
BudgetSoil samples, analysis and monitoring.
BudgetIndependent review of the project and results.
BudgetPossible fees charged by the selected recognised scheme.
Depends on schemeWork of the promoter and distribution agreed with the farmer.
ContractProgramme fees are only one part of the cost. Sampling and auditing are usually contracted separately, so a reliable total requires a review of the specific project.
The Commission’s impact assessment listed these possible measurement, reporting and verification costs for a typical soil carbon activity. The study predates the rollout of the CRCF methodologies: it is neither a current fee schedule nor a quote for 50 ha of olive groves.
YOUR BUDGET IN EUROS
The total project cost and the amount paid by each farmer can differ. A meaningful euro estimate requires information about the farm, an applicable certification route and quotes for measurement and auditing.
The split of costs depends on who runs the project and the terms agreed. The final amount and the risks should be set out in writing before work begins.
The owner commissions and pays for the necessary work. Any future income also accrues to the owner.
Common expenses are shared according to the group agreement. You have to set the distribution before measuring.
A company can advance costs and agree on how to recover them or how to distribute possible income.
Before signing, ask for separate figures for five items: project set-up, measurements, auditing, registration and management. Also ask which costs you would pay even if the project generates no credits.
WHAT IF I HAVE A FEW HECTARES?
Many costs apply to the project as a whole rather than to each hectare. Grouping farms under the same rules can make measurement and auditing more viable. The European framework provides for group certification to help small farmers take part.
This does not guarantee profitability: first you have to estimate costs, possible results and how the income would be distributed.
See the European framework ↗BEFORE SIGNING
Who pays for the study, samples and audit?
What is charged, when and what percentage does each party keep?
How long must I maintain the practices?
What happens if the results are lower or are not certified?
SPEAK CLEARLY
We can start by knowing the crop, the hectares and the current management. With this information, we study what should be measured and what costs should be budgeted, without promising credits or income ahead of time.
