Over the past few years, the topic of carbon credits has shifted from a niche subject to one of the most discussed issues in the agricultural sector. Farmers are increasingly looking for ways for sustainable practices to deliver not only moral value, but also additional income that could help stabilize farm finances during unpredictable seasons.
Agribusiness companies are also beginning to take an active role. Among them is Agrokoncernas, which helps farms enter the carbon credit market in a transparent and straightforward manner.
Together with the company’s sustainable agriculture specialist Brigita Impolė, we discuss why carbon credits are becoming increasingly relevant for farmers and how this practice can transform agriculture.
Economic Benefits for Farmers
Farmers constantly balance between two poles: the need to follow sustainable principles and the real necessity to derive financial benefit from them. Today, with rising market pressure and the EU Green Deal requirements, this need is becoming especially clear.
For many farms, the carbon credit system has become a way to link everyday agricultural practices with an additional source of income—while also strengthening their position in the market.
“Farmers are looking for ways to gain not only moral but also economic benefits from sustainability. Building up soil organic carbon involves practices that, over time, improve soil fertility, reduce costs, and now also allow farmers to earn extra income.
Moreover, the EU Green Deal and market pressure push everyone to find solutions that demonstrate sustainability with facts. And carbon credits make this possible,” says B. Impolė.
According to the specialist, sustainable farming is no longer a choice but a competitive advantage. And although this market is still taking shape, new opportunities are emerging for farmers who can prove their environmental impact.
What Determines a Farm’s Potential?
Although the carbon credit scheme may sound complex, its essence is quite straightforward: the greatest impact is achieved where organic carbon in the soil increases or emissions decrease. This means that practices must focus on improving soil health and reducing environmental harm.
“The most important activities are those that help preserve or accumulate organic carbon in the soil: no-till or reduced tillage, growing cover crops, diversifying crop rotation, maintaining plant cover during winter, and optimizing fertilizer use,” lists B. Impolė.
“A farm’s potential depends on its practice history and soil type. On average, it is possible to generate 1 to 2 credits per hectare per year, and one credit currently sells for about 35 euros.”
Although numbers allow farmers to quickly perform an initial assessment, sustainability is more than just credits.
Additionally, it increases soil biological activity, gradually reduces the need for fuel and fertilizers, and makes farm processes more resilient even during challenging seasons.
The Right Time to Enter the Carbon Credit Market
The transformation of Europe’s agricultural sector is happening faster than many expected. Pressure from investors and companies to reduce emissions is increasing, and businesses will be required to submit sustainability reports.
This means that demand for reliable carbon credits will only grow.
“The market is still young, but the potential is huge. Credit prices will depend mostly on how actively companies aim to reduce their emissions and purchase credits.
More and more businesses choose to offset emissions through reliable sources—for example, programs certified by Verra. Over time, demand will only increase, as sustainability reporting will become mandatory. This means that now is the most suitable time for farms to enter this market,” says B. Impolė.
Early involvement can become an advantage for many farms. Requirements will become stricter in the future, but for now, certification processes are simpler and friendlier for those who want to start with smaller areas.
It is also expected that credit prices will rise in the future, meaning that farmers who start now may become established players in this market.
An Easier Path to Sustainable Practices and Certification
In the carbon credit market, the biggest obstacle is often not the practices themselves, but the paperwork. It requires extensive data, land-use history, precise sampling, and certification processes—something not all farmers have time to delve into.
This is where Agrokoncernas steps in—as a partner that ensures a clearer, simpler and faster process.
“Our approach is that everything must be simple. The farmer just continues their work, and we help manage the data, documentation, monitoring, sampling, and certification.
We work with the Verra standard—one of the most reliable globally—so everything is transparent. We are agronomists, so we speak plainly and practically,” says B. Impolė.
This support means that farmers do not need to dedicate additional time to administrative details—most of the work is done for them.
The company also helps farmers understand where to begin, how to prepare for sampling, how to submit information, and how to interpret the data.
A Chance to Shift the Direction of Lithuania’s Agricultural Economy
Although sustainability is often seen as a moral obligation, the carbon credit model fundamentally changes this logic. Agriculture is one of Lithuania’s strongest economic sectors, so any change that increases competitiveness affects not only individual farms but also the national economy.
According to the sustainable agriculture specialist, this is an opportunity to show that sustainability can be profitable, not just an attractive goal.
“The carbon credit model enables farmers to gain financial benefit for working responsibly and intelligently. The more such farms we have, the stronger our sector’s image in the international market and the higher the land value in the future,” says B. Impolė.
This model may encourage long-term investments in soil quality, strengthening the sector’s resilience to climate fluctuations. As the supply of reliable credits grows, Lithuania’s international competitiveness will also increase.
What to Expect When Transitioning to Carbon Sequestration?
Practical changes usually begin with reviewing soil cultivation technologies. Reduced or no-till farming, expanding crop rotations and using cover crops do not require a revolution, but rather strategic decisions.
“The main change is reducing tillage. When the soil is disturbed less, less fuel is used, and the soil starts working for us,” explains B. Impolė.
During ploughing, the topsoil layer is overturned, and accumulated organic carbon comes into contact with oxygen—causing part of it to turn into CO₂ and return to the atmosphere.
“Reduced tillage helps preserve organic carbon in the soil. Cover crops and crop rotation further enhance this effect and accelerate positive soil processes.
Of course, results do not appear in a single season—the soil needs time. Therefore, changes are made gradually, according to each farm’s capabilities and pace.”
This means that the carbon credit program is not a one-time project: it is a long-term, consistent path that brings increasing benefits over time.
What Changes Are Visible in the First Year?
To receive credits, farmers must prove actual impact; this requires soil samples, an analysis of historical practices, and recorded technologies. These data are not only necessary for certification but also help farms better understand their soil condition.
“The program is based on facts, so data is its foundation. Soil samples and information about farming practices allow us to accurately evaluate changes in organic carbon.
Of course, providing data requires time, but we make everything as easy as possible: clear steps, clear deadlines, and support whenever questions arise,” says the sustainable farming specialist.
Since Lithuania is only beginning to build its history of carbon sequestration projects, many long-term changes will become evident later.
“We are at an early stage. First samples are being collected now, others will be taken in spring, so we will discuss soil changes once we have real data. After receiving results, we will compare them with previous years’ data from the same farm to detect real change. Economic benefit will appear when the credits are sold.
We say this openly: everything is based on science, so quick miracles do not happen. But we believe in this project and are participating with our own farms. We stand on the same side as farmers while waiting for results,” explains B. Impolė.
According to the specialist, those who are still unsure should at least talk and learn what specific benefits the program can bring.
“The essence here is very simple: farming in harmony with nature helps the soil, and sustainable practices bring additional benefits. Farmers are not left alone in this process. There is always a team to help and advise. We are by your side every step of the way.”
