Advice on Navigating the World of Carbon Credits

With a growing focus on conservation agriculture, carbon credit companies are now promising to pay farmers for the carbon they sequester on their farms. Andrew Ardington, founder of the Regenerative Agriculture Association of Southern Africa, and Dr Tony Knowles, director of The Cirrus Group, spoke to Marinda Louw about the benefits and pitfalls of carbon credits.

- By Marinda Louw

What is a carbon credit?

Andrew Ardington (AA): Carbon emitters who are unable to reduce their carbon use entirely can purchase carbon credits to get to net zero. They purchase these from other entities that are able to sequester carbon. The main goal of carbon credits is to encourage entities that can, to sequester as much as possible and to make those who can’t, pay. With a combination of emission reductions and carbon credits, the aim is to collectively get to net zero.

What benefits do carbon credits have for farmers?

AA: A farmer can sequester CO2 by fixing carbon in the soil. This is done by employing more sustainable farming practices. Putting carbon back into the soil helps offset the harm done over the years and improves soil quality.

The benefits of the carbon sequestration process are threefold. First, a farmer can earn money by selling carbon credits [to other industries].

Second, the soil is improved by an increased level of organic matter, improved water-holding capacity, and a higher biodiversity of soil microbes.

Third, by employing recommended practices, farmers can reduce water, fuel, fertiliser and other input costs.