When the soil fertility programme was launched in 2018, there was a lot of enthusiasm surrounding soil carbon. The idea was that agricultural soils could store more carbon through targeted measures and thus act as CO2 sinks. After the initial euphoria, there were concerns from both research and environmental organisations as to whether this innovative approach would actually work. When drawing up the programme, we were not able to refer to predefined climate protection standards. The methodology of the Gold Standard for building soil carbon in agriculture had only reached the design phase.
We were impressed by the Bio-Stiftung Schweiz’s holistic concept. The idea was clear: 30 future-oriented organic and Demeter farms from the Lake Constance area were to actively develop their arable land over a period of seven years through targeted measures – for example, through soil-conserving cultivation, green manure, diverse crop rotation and the promotion of soil life.
From the outset, annual on-site consultations on each participating operation, a vibrant network and regular project conferences were integral parts of the programme. The key question: Can these pioneering farms measurably improve the fertility of their soils?
Pioneering work for climate protection
Our collaboration with the farmers involved was inspiring: they worked with great commitment to make their soils more fertile. Profiles of the participating farms can be found at the Bio-Stiftung Schweiz.
Altogether, the farms have managed around 1100 hectares of land in a more climate-friendly way. Based on conservative model calculations based on IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) standards, the farms were able to store more than 10,000 tonnes of CO2 in the soil in seven years. Soil samples on tested areas confirmed this success: statistical analyses show a significant increase in carbon.
The future under our feet?
The final soil analyses are encouraging: building soil carbon works – measurably, effectively and over the long term. Even with these already advanced operations, there was still room for improvement. All of this shows that with clear project structures, continuous on-site consulting and strong partners, CO2 sinks in agriculture can be successfully established. Soil remains an underestimated but powerful lever in climate protection – right under our feet.
The soil fertility program was originally designed to last seven years – in keeping with the traditional crop rotation in the region. Today, we have new opportunities: thanks to new studies and innovative solutions from agrotech companies such as AgriCircle, satellite data and digital tools enable significantly more efficient and scalable ground monitoring.
And myclimate has no intention of stopping now: we are continuing to develop this forward-looking approach and focusing increasingly on agricultural climate protection projects that are anchored directly in the supply chain – for example, as part of our project with AgriCircle in the Migros Climate Fund.
Our long-standing partner, the Bio-Stiftung Schweiz, also remains committed to this issue. Together with the participating farms, they are planning an in-depth analysis using, among other things, the regional value performance calculator.
Invest in measurable climate protection now!
Now there is the perfect opportunity for companies to get involved in regional and innovative climate protection projects: The last CO2 certificates from this pioneering project are available now. These certificates count as carbon dioxide removals (CDRs) – i.e. CO2 sinks.
You can use these CO2 sinks as part of your contribution claims for your climate strategy and they are also accepted as evidence for the SBTi (Science Based Targets Initiative) and the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive).
Take advantage of this opportunity: invest in regional climate protection with a sustainable impact – anchored directly in the ground.
