South Pole, Gaïago and Gold Standard announce first carbon credit issuance under global soil organic carbon methodology in Europe

This is a Press Release by Gold Standard, shared by illuminem, to update the global sustainability community with the latest relevant updates.

South Pole, Gaïago and Gold Standard today announced the first carbon credit issuance from the European Soil Revitalization Programme across France and Belgium. As a global first for climate finance, the European Soil Revitalization Programme is the first project worldwide to be design-certified and issue carbon credits under Gold Standard’s Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Framework Methodology, offering buyers unprecedented access to high-integrity, regenerative agriculture carbon removals in Europe.

This inaugural issuance reflects the initial 6,000 verified hectares, and full enrolment across all 727 participating farms will scale the initiative to over 39,282 hectares – removing a forecasted 264,174 tCO₂e over its first crediting period.

For corporate buyers navigating the carbon market, securing high-quality, scientifically verified carbon removal credits in the land-use sector has historically proven challenging – a challenge now sharpened further by the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) updated Corporate Net Zero Standard, which sets specific requirements for the use of credits to address both ongoing emissions and residual emissions at net zero. This landmark issuance bridges proven agronomic practice with best-in-class carbon accounting, offering corporate buyers a credible tool to address ongoing emissions and advance their net zero strategies.

Unlocking high-integrity removals at scale

Agricultural soils represent one of the world’s greatest opportunities for new carbon sequestration, yet transitioning to regenerative practices carries financial risks and yield uncertainties for farmers. The European Soil Revitalization Programme addresses these barriers by combining carbon finance with proven agronomic innovation.

Implemented and operated on the ground by agtech Gaïago, the programme launched in 2022 with a 20-year operational horizon. Since 2022, South Pole has acted as the carbon asset development partner to Gaïago, leading the project development and the verification processes required to achieve certification under Gold Standard.

The initiative equips farmers across France and Belgium with a tailored suite of regenerative practices, combining reduced or zero tillage to minimise soil disturbance with enhanced year-round cover cropping to boost water retention and nutrient levels. Central to the programme is the mandatory application of Gaïago’s proprietary NUTRIGEO®L biostimulant, which restores microbial diversity and improves soil structure.

The project applies the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) GSOC MRV protocol and aligns directly with the FAO RECSOIL Initiative. To date, 1,972 local stakeholders have already been trained on soil health.

Aaron Barasz, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer, South Pole: “Trust and integrity are non-negotiable for carbon credit buyers. This milestone proves that soil carbon removals can be measured, verified, and delivered at scale under the highest international standards. Drawing on over 20 years of carbon asset expertise, South Pole is proud to help corporate buyers invest with confidence in high-impact, future-proof, diversified removal strategies.”

Vanessa Pezet, Gaïago Carbon Program Director, Gaïago: “Transitioning to regenerative agriculture requires financial backing and practical support for farmers on the frontlines of climate change. As project proponent, Gaïago is showing that restoring soil health directly reinforces farmer resilience and productivity. This issuance validates the dedication of hundreds of French and Belgian farmers leading the agroecological transition.”

Sarah Leugers, Chief Growth Officer at Gold Standard: “Without healthy soil, life on our planet cannot thrive. It is not only a critical tool to mitigate emissions through carbon sequestration but also supports sustainable agriculture and global food security. As the first project worldwide to issue credits under our Soil Organic Carbon Framework Methodology, the European Soil Revitalization Programme shows how rigorous standards can unlock vital finance for sustainable land management. We congratulate Gaïago and South Pole on this important milestone.”