Regenerative agriculture works: 5 key insights from the new EARA study

Some call it a return to the past. But then come the numbers.
The latest report from EARA – European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture leaves no room for doubt: regenerative agriculture is not just a sustainable alternative—it’s a viable, advantageous, and urgently relevant production model.

In a European context under pressure from climate, geopolitical, and energy crises, EARA analyzed 78 regenerative farms across 14 European countries, covering over 7,000 hectares. And the results speak for themselves.

Fewer inputs, comparable yields

Between 2020 and 2023, the regenerative farms surveyed achieved yields only slightly lower (–2%) than conventional farms—yet with a dramatic reduction in input use:
 – 62% less synthetic nitrogen fertilizers
 – 76% fewer pesticides (measured in grams of active ingredient per hectare)

This shows that efficiency and resilience depend not on quantity, but on the quality of practices.

Local feed, more autonomous systems

While the European average relies on over 30% imported livestock feed, regenerative farms are able to feed their animals using local resources within their biogeographic region. This reduces environmental impact, logistics costs, and vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.

More biodiversity, more photosynthesis, more ground cover

From 2019 to 2024, regenerative fields recorded:
 +24% photosynthesis
 +23% vegetative cover
 +17% plant species diversity compared to nearby conventional farms

These three parameters are essential for ensuring ecosystem services like soil fertility, local climate regulation, and overall ecosystem health.

A new metric: the RFP Index

The study introduces a new multidimensional metric: Regenerating Full Productivity (RFP).
 This index measures regenerative productivity by factoring in:

  • Crop yields

  • Soil health

  • Biodiversity

  • Economic performance

Designed as a practical tool, it also has potential use in policy-making, helping shift agricultural strategies toward measurable outcomes.

Cooler soils, greater climate resilience

During summer months, regenerative agricultural fields showed an average surface temperature 0.3°C lower than surrounding conventional ecosystems.
 Moreover, widespread adoption of regenerative practices could reduce up to 141.3 million tons of CO₂ equivalent per year—equal to 84% of the EU agricultural sector’s net emissions.

 

Regeneration isn’t just a hope. It’s a concrete choice.

The EARA report isn’t a vision of the future—it’s a snapshot of the present.
 The farms involved prove that another model is not only possible but already active across many parts of Europe.

An agriculture that produces food, restores soil, sequesters carbon, and fosters biodiversity. No longer extracting resources, but giving them back.

Carbon Credits in Agriculture: A Complete Guide to How They Work and the Opportunities They Offer

Fighting climate change requires concrete and measurable solutions. Among them, carbon credits have become a key tool for reducing and offsetting CO₂ emissions. In this context, agriculture—when practiced regeneratively—can become a powerful ally.

This guide explains what carbon credits are, how they are generated in the agricultural sector, and what opportunities they offer to those who work the land.

1. What are carbon credits?

Carbon credits are certificates that verify the reduction or removal of one metric ton of CO₂ (or equivalent gases) from the atmosphere.
 They can be generated through reforestation, renewable energy, energy efficiency projects, and—increasingly—through agricultural practices that improve carbon sequestration in the soil.

There are two main markets:

  • Compliance market: regulated by international standards (e.g. EU ETS).
  • Voluntary market: companies and individuals purchase credits to responsibly offset their emissions.
     This is where Alberami operates.

2. The role of agriculture in carbon removal

Soil is one of the largest natural carbon sinks on the planet—storing more carbon than the atmosphere and all vegetation combined.

Through targeted agronomic practices, it is possible to enhance the soil’s carbon sequestration capacity, while also improving fertility, biodiversity, and the resilience of agricultural ecosystems.

Regenerative agriculture is based on this principle: rebuilding soil health over time, increasing organic matter, and activating beneficial natural processes.
 Key practices include:

  • Cover crops: protect the soil from erosion and stimulate microbial life
  • Reduced tillage (no-till, minimum tillage): preserve soil structure and limit emissions
  • Compost, biochar, manure, agro-food byproducts: provide stable organic matter and long-term nutrients
  • Agroforestry, multifunctional hedgerows, buffer strips: increase biomass and support beneficial wildlife
  • Reduction of chemical fertilizers and pesticides: improves microbial biodiversity and lowers environmental impact
  • Compost tea and natural biostimulants: strengthen plant defenses and reduce the need for harsh treatments

Within the AgroEcology_Italy project, Alberami has identified 13 measurable and certifiable regenerative practices that can generate verified carbon credits and real value for farmers.

3. How are carbon credits generated in agriculture?

To generate certified carbon credits, a farming project must follow an internationally recognized protocol. The process includes several stages, each subject to transparent and scientific verification:

  • Enrollment in the project
     The farm signs a 15-year contract to join a certified program. The minimum required area is 3 hectares for tree crops or 10 hectares for arable land.
  • Selection and implementation of regenerative practices
     The farmer applies at least three new practices from Alberami’s protocol (e.g. cover crops, reduced tillage, organic matter input, sustainable residue management).
  • Ongoing monitoring
     Alberami oversees monitoring of changes in soil and biomass using an integrated system of lab analyses, satellite data, IoT sensors, and digital tools.
  • Independent verification
     A third-party auditor conducts a documentary and field audit, certifying that the carbon removed is real, measurable, and compliant with international standards.
  • Issuance and registration of credits
     Verified credits are issued and recorded on an official registry, traceable via blockchain technology, ensuring secure and transparent access to the international voluntary market.

Each credit must meet key criteria: additionality, traceability, permanence, and verifiability. This is how agriculture becomes a credible player in climate action.

4. Certifying agricultural carbon credits

To be credible and marketable, agricultural carbon credits must meet strict internationally recognized criteria. Here’s how they apply in practice:

  • Additionality
     The benefits must be above and beyond the business-as-usual scenario. Without the project, no carbon would be sequestered.
     For example, cover crops or compost application must be new practices for the farm—not already in use.
  • Permanence
     The sequestered carbon must remain stored in the soil or biomass for a significant period.
     Our partner farmers commit to maintaining these practices for at least 15 years. We also adopt a dual-buffer system (untradeable credits held in reserve) to protect both stock and buyers from unforeseen risks.
  • Conservative and real measurement
     Credits are based on real, conservative data to avoid over-crediting.
     We use soil sampling, geochemical modeling, satellite data, and IoT sensors to calculate the actual carbon stored, always applying conservative factors.
  • Traceability and transparency
     Every credit is fully traceable throughout its lifecycle, using advanced digital technologies.
     Each batch is linked to a specific, geo-referenced field, verified by third parties and publicly recorded on official registries via blockchain.

Key references:

  • International Carbon Registry (ICR) – ICROA-accredited standard
  • Carbon Check (India) Pty Ltd – Verification body
  • BeZero Carbon – International rating agency

5. Opportunities for farmers

Participating in a certified carbon farming program brings tangible benefits, such as:

  • New income streams: from the sale of generated credits
  • Access to public funds: aligned with CAP, RDP, Organic certifications
  • Environmental improvements: greater soil fertility, improved crop resilience

6. Why choose local, certified, and transparent projects

As the voluntary carbon market grows, not all projects are created equal.
 Transparency and independent verification are essential to avoid greenwashing and ensure real impact.

Local agricultural projects—like those activated in Italy—allow for:

  • Direct measurement of results on the ground
  • Engagement of local communities and businesses
  • Creation of shared, measurable value

7. Alberami and the AgroEcology Italy model

AgroEcology Italy is the first internationally certified Italian carbon farming project, developed by Alberami.

It combines:

  • Certified regenerative agricultural practices
  • Advanced monitoring technologies
  • Recognized third-party certifications
  • Risk-free participation for farmers: no upfront costs required. Farmers may choose to contribute only after receiving revenue from credit sales
  • Fair revenue sharing: up to 75% of the income from generated and sold credits goes directly to the farmer.

With over 350 farmers involved and 10,000+ hectares activated across Italy, AgroEcology Italy is a concrete demonstration of how agriculture can generate environmental, economic, and social value.

Agricultural carbon credits are not just a tool for offsetting—they’re a lever to transform how we produce, and a way to reward those who grow food responsibly.

Want to know if your farm can generate certified credits?
Contact us—we’ll guide you step by step.

Support for the Regeneration of Monumental Olive Groves: Alberami Project Secures Funding

We’re pleased to announce that Alberami has been selected as one of the winners of the NBFC_S8_PMI2 national grant, promoted by the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) under the European NextGenerationEU (PNRR) program.

Our project, BIODIV-OMP – Monumental Olive Groves of Puglia Biodiversity Project, has secured public funding to implement Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) aimed at:

  • Regenerating the soil
  • Enhancing biodiversity
  • Protecting one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic agricultural ecosystems: the monumental olive groves of Puglia, currently under threat from Xylella fastidiosa.

With BIODIV-OMP, we aim to transform the unique landscape of Puglia’s ancient olive groves into a true Living Lab for climate adaptation, ecological restoration, and rural innovation—through an advanced integration of nature-based solutions and next-generation monitoring technologies.

Core Activities

  • On-farm production and application of compost tea, made from local composts (olive pomace and urban organic waste) and enriched with native microbial communities, to improve soil health and increase plant resilience to environmental stress.
  • Microbial biodiversity monitoring in soils and plants using DNA metabarcoding, allowing for detailed analysis of microbial communities before and after intervention to assess ecological impact and functionality.
  • Use of PlantVoice sensors to track real-time sap flow and physiological responses in olive trees, integrating environmental and biological data for adaptive and preventive management.
  • Survey of spontaneous vegetation and cover crops, focusing on herbaceous species with ecosystem service, food, or medicinal value, and assessing their role in ecosystem recovery.
  • Impact analysis and modeling, to validate the effectiveness of the interventions in terms of biodiversity, soil health, environmental resilience, and socioeconomic benefits.
  • Technical training and knowledge transfer, including the development of operational guidelines, field days, and training sessions for farmers, technicians, and local stakeholders.

Our Scientific and Technical Partners

BIODIV-OMP is the result of collaboration between top-tier scientific and technical experts in microbiology, regenerative agriculture, and precision monitoring technologies.

  • CREA – Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Italy’s leading agro-food research institute, will coordinate microbiological and experimental activities related to compost tea production and application.
  • The project is supported by Dr. Massimo Zaccardelli (ResearchGate), a leading international expert in soil fertility and agronomic use of compost teas, with over 150 scientific publications and extensive experience in organic and regenerative agriculture.
  • Dr. Thomas Vatrano (thomasvatrano.com), agronomist and advisor for agricultural 4.0 technologies, will oversee the implementation of the PlantVoice sensor-based monitoring system and the development of a data-driven agronomic decision model.
  • Dr. Sumer Alali (ResearchGate), microbiologist specializing in functional biodiversity and plant-soil interactions, will lead the genetic data analysis (DNA metabarcoding) to assess microbial community shifts and soil biological quality.

Location

The project begins on 125 hectares of monumental olive groves in the Ostuni (BR) area, close to our operational headquarters. Fieldwork started in April and will continue until the end of November 2025.

Why This Project Matters

For Alberami, this project is more than a public recognition—it’s a powerful confirmation of the path we’ve taken since the inception of our model.

We’re proud to contribute to the protection of a unique agricultural and cultural heritage through an innovative, collaborative, and deeply local approach.

BIODIV-OMP allows us to combine scientific research, nature-based solutions, and regenerative agriculture in a context we know intimately—and consider home: the monumental olive landscapes of Puglia.

Bringing innovation and regeneration right here, where the land most urgently needs care and vision, is our way of giving tangible shape to our idea of sustainability—not only for the climate, but for the communities and farming systems that live and endure every day.

Most importantly, this project represents a model that can be replicated in other Mediterranean regions—and beyond—where historically rich and biologically valuable ecosystems face increasing pressures from climate change and biodiversity loss.

BIODIV-OMP is our way of building local solutions with global ambition.

 

Insetting: Decarbonization and Integrated Environmental Value in the Supply Chain

A Strategic Approach to Emissions Reduction and Compensation

Insetting is an innovative approach to managing greenhouse gas emissions. It enables companies to integrate emissions reduction and compensation directly into their supply chain. Unlike offsetting—which involves purchasing carbon credits from external projects—insetting focuses on internal and local interventions that deliver measurable environmental impacts and sustainable competitive advantages.

Insetting and the European Regulatory Framework

Insetting aligns with key European directives on sustainability and emissions reduction, including:

  • EU Regulation 2023/956 (CBAM): Encourages EU companies to lower emissions within their production processes, limiting carbon leakage.
  • European Green Deal and Fit for 55: Promote decarbonization of production chains through integrated and sustainable solutions.
  • EU Framework for Carbon Removals Certification: Emphasizes transparency, permanence, and environmental benefits in emission reduction projects.

Thanks to its ability to combine decarbonization with sustainable development, insetting is recognized as a key strategy for achieving climate neutrality goals.

The Advantages of Insetting

Insetting goes beyond emissions compensation: it creates direct value within the company’s supply chain by:

  • Delivering measurable environmental impact: Reducing emissions through certified practices in soil and energy management.
  • Providing local benefits: Enhancing soil quality, increasing biodiversity, and supporting local communities.
  • Enhancing corporate competitiveness: Aligning business practices with ESG criteria required by investors, clients, and regulatory bodies.
  • Improving economic efficiency: Reducing operational costs and reliance on external inputs through sustainable practices.

Examples of Insetting Applications

  • Agri-food sector: Implementing regenerative agriculture practices on company-owned or supplier farms, improving soil fertility and reducing emissions.
  • Wine industry: Sustainable vineyard management to reduce carbon footprint and improve climate resilience.
  • Fashion and textile sector: Investing in low-impact fiber crops to reduce water usage and chemical inputs.

Insetting vs. Offsetting: A Comparison

Characteristic Insetting Offsetting
Application Scope Within the company’s supply chain External projects
Method of Intervention Direct reduction and sequestration of emissions Purchase of carbon credits
Environmental Benefits Direct and measurable impact Indirect contribution to global reduction
Economic Sustainability Optimizes internal operational costs Depends on external credit markets

Insetting allows companies to embed sustainability into their production processes, transforming the ecological transition into a competitive advantage.

Alberami’s Role in Insetting

Alberami develops custom insetting projects for companies aiming to reduce their environmental impact in a verifiable and standards-compliant way.

Through an advanced monitoring and certification system, we ensure:

  • Independent validation: Carbon credits are verified by internationally recognized certification bodies.
  • Advanced technologies: Satellite analysis, blockchain, and field sampling ensure full transparency and traceability.
  • Tailored strategies: Projects designed around the specific needs of each company to maximize impact and scalability.

Integrate Insetting into Your Sustainability Strategy

Insetting offers a strategic opportunity for companies that want to strengthen their sustainability commitment without relying exclusively on external compensation markets.

Discover how Alberami can support your transition to a low-emission production model. Contact us for a personalized consultation.

Beyond the Standards of the New EU CRCF Framework for Permanent Carbon Removals

The EU CRCF Framework, recently approved by the Council of the European Union, represents a crucial step towards standardizing carbon farming, carbon removal, and storage activities. While the framework sets essential criteria, Alberami goes beyond these requirements, delivering innovative solutions and an integrated approach to sustainability.

The EU Framework: Key Criteria

According to the framework, carbon removal activities must comply with four fundamental criteria:

  • Net Carbon Removal or Reduction Benefit – Activities must ensure rigorous quantification of net carbon sequestration or emission reductions in the soil.
  • Additionality – Projects must exceed legally required obligations and depend on certification incentives to be economically viable.
  • Permanence – Carbon storage must be long-term, with measures to minimize the risk of reversal.
  • Positive Impact and Sustainability – Activities must prevent significant environmental harm and contribute to one or more sustainability objectives.

Additionally, all carbon removal projects must undergo independent verification by accredited third-party certification bodies.

 

Why Alberami Exceeds the EU Framework

Alberami not only meets these criteria but surpasses them, setting new benchmarks for excellence in carbon removal projects.

  1. Extended Permanence – Our projects guarantee a carbon sequestration duration of at least 15 years, three times the EU framework’s minimum threshold of 5 years. This ensures greater stability and permanence of captured CO₂.
  2. Advanced Monitoring – We integrate cutting-edge monitoring technologies to ensure precise and transparent carbon sequestration measurement, including:
    • IoT (Internet of Things) for real-time environmental data tracking
    • Blockchain for secure and verifiable carbon credit transactions
    • Satellite analysis to monitor land-use changes and soil health
    • Annual soil sampling for direct measurement of stored carbon
    • Advanced modeling to predict sequestration trends and risks
  1. Environmental & Socioeconomic Co-Benefits – Our projects go beyond carbon removal by delivering tangible environmental and economic benefits, such as:
    • Biodiversity enhancement through regenerative agriculture practices
    • Improved soil health and increased crop resilience
    • Direct economic benefits for participating farming communities
  1. High-Quality Independent Certification – Our carbon credits are validated by globally recognized independent certification bodies, ensuring the highest level of transparency and reliability, including:
    • International Carbon Registry (ICR)
    • ICROA-Endorsed
    • Carbon Check India Pty Limited
    • BeZero Carbon Rated BBB

These third-party verifications guarantee credibility and maximize trust for our partners.

 

Leading the Way in Carbon Removal

By surpassing EU standards, Alberami integrates technological innovation, sustainable resource management, and environmental and social co-benefits, actively contributing to global decarbonization goals.

Contact us to discover how our projects can support your company’s transition to a low-emission future.

2025: a defining year for corporate sustainability

Introduction
The year 2025 is shaping up to be pivotal for global sustainability. Governments, businesses, and communities are at a crossroads: intensify efforts to reduce environmental impact or face increasingly severe consequences of climate change.

Innovative strategies such as carbon markets and regenerative agriculture are emerging as practical solutions to tackle these challenges. In this article, we explore why 2025 is a critical year for sustainability and how businesses can lead the charge.

Carbon Markets: A Game-Changer for Sustainable Businesses

Carbon markets offer a powerful mechanism to incentivize global emissions reductions. However, their success hinges on the transparency and quality of the projects they support.

🔑 Key Insight: Well-regulated carbon markets have the potential to accelerate the transition to low-carbon economies, provided they are underpinned by rigorous certifications and continuous monitoring.

📌 According to the Wall Street Journal, 2025 will mark a turning point as carbon markets mature to deliver tangible benefits for both the climate and local communities.

ESG Regulations: Challenges and Opportunities for Businesses

Europe is set to introduce new environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations aimed at standardizing sustainability practices and reporting. While these requirements might seem burdensome, they represent a unique opportunity to redefine how businesses contribute to global sustainability.

What this means for businesses:

  • Enhanced transparency in environmental reporting.
  • Strategic investments in certified projects, such as carbon farming.
  • Increased trust from consumers and investors.

ESG regulations are not just about compliance—they signal a paradigm shift toward a more sustainable and accountable economy.

Regenerative Agriculture: The Heart of Sustainable Progress

Carbon farming and regenerative agriculture are pivotal solutions for combating climate change. These practices not only enhance soil health and sequester CO₂ but also strengthen the resilience of rural communities.

📌 Why It Matters:
As highlighted by the Wall Street Journal, 2025 will see a growing adoption of solutions that blend environmental sustainability with economic benefits for local communities.

Regenerative agriculture is more than a conservation tool—it’s a concrete opportunity for businesses to create a positive and measurable impact.

A Collective Commitment to the Future

Sustainability is not an isolated goal; it requires a collective effort. Every step toward responsible practices is an investment in the future of our planet and future generations.

🌱 2025 is not just a year of challenges—it’s a year of opportunities.
Adopting sustainable practices like carbon farming enables businesses to reduce their environmental footprint while creating economic and social value for the communities they impact.

Conclusion

2025 will be a decisive year for the future of sustainability. Businesses have a significant role to play by choosing certified projects and implementing innovative practices.

💡 Want to learn more about global sustainability trends in 2025?
Read the full Wall Street Journal article here: Link to the article.