The term “regenerative agriculture” is gaining prominence in climate-related conversations. It dates back to the 1980s when Robert Rodale coined the term, “regenerative organic agriculture” as way to express that organic should be more than simply avoiding chemical inputs. The term has been defined and re-defined by many different authors, sometimes describing very different concepts from each other. Some recurring themes … Read More
The Cool Farm Alliance joins the regenagri governance team
Regenagri is a regenerative agriculture initiative launched in 2020 with the goal to secure the health of agricultural land and the wealth of those who live on it. Via its Digital Hub and continuous improvement framework, regenagri supports farms and organisations to transition to holistic farming techniques that increase soil organic matter, encourage biodiversity, sequester CO2 and improve water management. … Read More
Carbon Calculators compared for Australian Grain Growers
Determining the greenhouse gas, or carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) emissions from a farming scenario can have differing approaches and results, depending on the intended application of the information. From a grower perspective, motives for understanding CO2-e emissions from a farming operation could include identifying opportunities for improved nutrient utilisation, improved market access or simply understanding a carbon footprint and looking … Read More
Performance metrics for key sustainability issues
The importance of reliable data to help monitor and report outcomes and impacts has become a key topic in the field of voluntary sustainability standards in the recent years. Traditionally, impact studies have been designed to demonstrate the reach of the standard as well as the compliance to specific criteria, mainly at the level of certified site. As businesses in … Read More
Carbon accounting framework for perennial crops cultivation systems
A project run in partnership between Quantis, the Cool Farm Alliance and Control Union. We are thrilled to announce the official kick-off of the Perennials project which aims to fill the gap in carbon accounting methods by developing an operational framework to accurately model GHG emissions and sequestration potential in perennial cropping systems in the Cool Farm Tool. The evaluation of … Read More
The EU Green Week 2020 – An important opportunity to rethink our relationship with nature
From 19-22 October, the 2020 EU Green Week will bring political leaders, environmental organisations and many other stakeholders together to discuss the important relationship between nature and biodiversity. The event will highlight the contribution biodiversity can make to society and the economy, and the role it can play in supporting and stimulating recovery in a post-pandemic world. Why nature and … Read More
Breaking down science-based targets and how they can help set sustainability goals
Ever since the publication of IPCC’s 2018 special report on Global Warming of 1.5 ºC , there should be little doubt that achieving a net-zero global economy by 2030 is essential to limit global warming to the 1.5 or 2 ºC targets of the Paris Accord. This requires immediate, substantial emission reductions and commitments by everyone — individuals, companies, organisations, … Read More
CFA member Soil Capital launches European carbon payment programme with CFT
Soil Capital, a firm of independent agronomists and financial professionals, has launched the first European carbon remuneration programme, for farmers by farmers. The programme, called Soil Capital Carbon, uses the Cool Farm Tool (CFT) as its greenhouse gas (GHG) balance quantification tool and is being rolled out first with arable farmers in France and Belgium. Two other CFA members have … Read More
How to use the Cool Farm Tool to track no-till success
The change of conventional agricultural production systems to a more regenerative approach is known to benefit the soil and the environment, and is gaining increasing interest from growers around the globe. Such regenerative practices, however, require determination and commitment. Jake Freestone, farm manager of the Cotswold farm in Overbury (UK), has shown both over the past decade when he started … Read More
How do three main farm carbon calculators compare?
Mike Abram from Farmers Weekly presents an insightful review of three popular whole-farm calculators. A few farmers tested the overall scope and structure of the calculators, all of which cover arable and livestock enterprises and are “self-service” options that can be used without input from a farm adviser. The tools assessed where: Farm Carbon Toolkit Agrecalc Cool Farm Tool The … Read More