Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming

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Permanent carbon removals

Permanent carbon removal refers to technologies that remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and ensure its secure, long-term storage for centuries.  

CRCF methodologies for permanent carbon removals

The European Commission, supported by experts, has developed tailored CRCF certification methodologies for three types of permanent carbon removals activities, which were selected based on technological maturity and robust scientific understanding:  

• Direct air capture with carbon storage (‘DACCS’)
• Biogenic emissions capture with carbon storage (‘BioCCS’)
• Biochar carbon removal (‘BCR’)  

The Delegated Act for permanent carbon removals activities has been adopted by the Commission on 3 February 2026.     

Future work on permanent carbon removals 

The Commission is considering whether to develop methodologies for other permanent carbon removal activities. Any activity included in the CRCF Regulation must be safe for both terrestrial and marine ecosystems and also benefit society. Here are some of the pathways explored by the Commission: 

• Enhanced rock weathering - finely ground rocks spread on fields to accelerate natural CO₂ removals;
• Mineralisation - carbon bound into stable minerals for permanent storage or use in products;
• Ocean alkalinity enhancement - alkaline materials added to seawater to increase the ocean’s capacity to absorb and store CO₂;
• Direct ocean capture with carbon storage - engineered systems that extract CO₂ from seawater and store it safely long term. 

Carbon farming

Carbon farming refers to land management practices that enhance carbon sequestration - the process of capturing and storing CO₂ emissions - in forests and soils. These practices can also reduce GHG emissions from soils, while delivering additional benefits in terms of biodiversity and ecosystem restoration. Here are some examples of carbon farming:  

• Rewetting and restoring peatlands and wetlands to reduce carbon oxidation and increase carbon sequestration;
• Agroforestry practices that integrate trees, shrubs or hedgerows within crop or grazing systems;
• Soil protection measures like catch crops, cover crops, conservation tillage;
• Afforestation and improved forest management respecting ecological principles for biodiversity;
• Improving fertiliser use efficiency to cut nitrous oxide emissions. 

The certification of carbon farming practices can help farmers and foresters get result-based payments, complementing their income and supporting them in the transition towards a more resilient production system. In addition, carbon sequestration in soils and biomass enhances EU resilience by ensuring soil health, resource independence, and a reliable supply of bio-based materials. Moreover, the efforts of farmers and foresters to maintain and enhance carbon sinks - any system, natural or artificial, that absorbs more CO₂ from the atmosphere than it releases - will play an essential role in meeting the EU’s Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) targets.  

By 2026, the Commission will assess whether to expand the scope of carbon farming to the reduction of livestock-related GHG emissions.  

CRCF methodologies for carbon farming  

The European Commission, supported by experts, is developing certification methodologies for three carbon farming activities:  

• Agriculture and agroforestry on mineral soils
• Rewetting and restoration of peatland and other organic soils
• Afforestation  

The adoption of the Delegated Act on these methodologies is expected in summer 2026. 

Carbon storage in products

The CRCF Regulation covers the implementation of carbon storage in products, defined as any practice or process that captures and stores CO₂ for at least 35 years in long-lasting products. 

Bio-based construction products, such as timber or agricultural crops, offer significant potential for long-lasting CO₂ storage, as the carbon absorbed during plant growth remains locked within the materials throughout their use. By promoting sustainably sourced bio-based materials and advanced construction techniques, we can create energy-efficient buildings that function as carbon sinks – storing more CO₂ over their lifetime than they emit through construction and operation.  

The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive allows building owners to know their carbon storage capacity on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The CRCF methodology for carbon storage in buildings, which is planned for publication in 2026, will help building owners demonstrate the carbon-storage performance of their buildings, helping to align the construction sector with circular-bioeconomy principles. 

Recognition of certification schemes

The CRCF Regulation mandates third-party verification of carbon removals and soil emission reductions, as well as the publication of certification-related information in an EU-wide registry. Certification schemes recognised by the Commission play a key role in verifying that activities comply with the requirements set out in the CRCF Regulation, as well as the related Delegated and Implementing Acts.  

In November 2025, the Commission adopted the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2358, laying down technical rules on certification schemes, certification bodies, and audits, to harmonise and streamline the certification processes while making it cost-effective yet robust. For instance, the Regulation allows for group certification for carbon farming, easing the administrative burden for small farmers and foresters.   

After the adoption of the Delegated Acts, interested certification schemes will be able to apply for Commission recognition under the CRCF Regulation, to cover one or more certification methodologies. The Commission will assess the schemes through a standardised assessment protocol, covering the requirements set out in the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2358 and in the relevant certification methodologies. More information on the scheme assessment and recognition process will be published on this website in the coming months.   

More on the certification process  

To ensure synergies with existing EU policies, the certification process is largely based on the model applied in the context of the Renewable Energy Directive since 2009 for certifying renewable fuels, and includes the following steps:  

1. Participation in a certification scheme: Once the Delegated Acts enter into force, operators apply to an EU-recognised scheme, submitting activity and monitoring plans.
2. Certification audit: A certification body verifies the activity's compliance with EU criteria and methodologies, issuing a certificate of compliance.
3. Recertification audit: Regular audits ensure the correct implementation of the activity and the generation of carbon removals or soil emission reductions.
4. Certification registry: All certification information, including the quantity of certified units, is published in the CRCF registry (established by 2028) and in the registries of the certification schemes in the transition period before 2028.