Carbon farming in Europe: when climate policy reassures more than it delivers
Carbon farming is increasingly promoted as a key element of European climate policy. Increasing carbon in soils is presented as a way to offset emissions from farming and other sectors. But how effective is this approach in practice?
In a recent article published in Outlook on Agriculture, WUR researchers analyse how carbon farming is embedded in major European policy frameworks, including the European Green Deal, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the proposed Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation.
Their conclusion is sobering. According to the authors, current policy approaches risk creating symbolic reassurance: the impression that climate action is being taken, without firm guarantees of real and lasting emission reductions.
Risks of oversimplification
One of the main concerns is that complex soil carbon processes are reduced to simplified, marketable units. This creates a strong focus on indicators, monitoring and carbon credits, while uncertainties about permanence, reversibility and influence of local soil conditions remain largely unresolved.
The authors also warn that an emphasis on carbon removals may distract from the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at source. If carbon farming is used as a compensatory mechanism, it could delay more fundamental changes in agricultural and food systems.
Missed opportunities
At the same time, the article highlights important opportunities. Carbon farming could support long-term transitions in agriculture if it is embedded in broader environmental objectives, such as improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity and protecting water quality. If policies reward practices that are well embedded in socio-ecological systems, adoption may be sustained long after financial incentives disappear, delivering lasting benefits.
The accompanying infographic summarises the key risks and opportunities identified in the study, illustrating how current policy approaches may shine on paper, while overlooking deeper systemic change.
The infographic shows how carbon farming is positioned in European climate policy and highlights key risks and opportunities.
At the top, European climate ambitions are shown, linking carbon farming to balancing emissions with carbon removals in agricultural soils. European policies are represented through subsidies, carbon credits and measurement systems, including the CAP and the proposed CRCF framework.
The middle section presents risks.
Carbon farming can create symbolic reassurance: the impression that climate targets are being met, while emissions and temperature risks remain. Soil carbon storage is uncertain and can be reversed. A strong focus on carbon removals may delay emission reductions, and reliance on carbon farming can discourage deeper mitigation measures.
The lower section shows opportunities.
Long-term support can lead to sustained adoption of improved farming practices. When carbon farming is linked to broader environmental goals — such as soil health, biodiversity and water quality — it can contribute to lasting sustainability rather than short-term carbon accounting.
Towards more effective climate action
According to the authors, a clear distinction must be made within the proposed CRCF Regulation between emission reduction and temporary carbon sequestration. Only then can carbon farming contribute meaningfully to Europe’s climate and sustainability goals.
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dr. R (Renske) Hijbeek
Universitair hoofddocent
