But how does it work in practice? At the Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2025, industry experts will be diving into the details during the talk “Greenhouse Gas Removal and Carbon Farming.” This session will explore the potential of carbon sequestration, carbon credit markets, and how farmers can benefit from regenerative practices. 

What Is Carbon Farming? 

At its core, carbon farming is about capturing and storing carbon in the soil through more sustainable farming methods. It moves away from traditional plough-intensive farming to low-tillage systems, reduced fertiliser use, and cover cropping, all of which help the land sequester more carbon while lowering emissions. 

The benefits of this approach include: 

• Reduced fertiliser and diesel costs  

• Healthier soils with improved water retention and resilience  

• The ability to generate carbon credits, which can be sold for additional farm income  

According to Thomas Gent, UK Country Lead at Agreena, carbon farming essentially allows farmers to “harvest carbon credits” alongside their traditional crops, turning sustainability into a profitable venture. 

How Do Farmers Get Paid for Carbon? 

The carbon credit market provides a way for farmers to monetise their soil’s carbon-storing potential. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Baseline Measurement – Farmers measure their current soil carbon levels, assessing soil type, pH levels, and management practices.  

• Planning & Implementation – A cropping strategy is developed, with estimates provided on carbon sequestration potential and financial returns.  

• Data Collection & Verification – After harvest, farmers report actual farming practices for verification and issuance of carbon credits. 

 Credit Monetisation – Once credits are issued, farmers can: 

• Sell them directly to companies needing to offset emissions 

• Hold onto them for future price increases 

• Bundle them with crop sales for a premium price 

• Trade them through an intermediary like Agreena 

The more regenerative practices a farmer adopts, the greater the carbon credit yield, providing a financial incentive to move towards more sustainable systems. 

How Much Are Carbon Credits Worth? 

On average, fields can yield 1.5 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year, with optimised regenerative systems achieving up to 3 tonnes per hectare. 

The value of each credit fluctuates based on market demand, but in the latest trading cycle, farmers have received around £32 per carbon certificate. While carbon credits won’t replace core farm income, they offer a valuable additional revenue stream and help offset transition costs. 

According to Clive Bailye, a regenerative farmer from Staffordshire, carbon credits provide farmers with a unique opportunity: 

“We are one of the only industries that can sequester carbon. If we’re not careful, it could be taken from us and bundled into meat or grain contracts, leaving farmers without the financial benefit.” 

His farm has been selling carbon credits for four years, using the income to invest in on-farm solar panels, further boosting profitability and sustainability. 

Why You Should Attend the Carbon Farming Talk at Low Carbon Agriculture 2025 

Join us at NAEC Stoneleigh on 5-6 March 2025, where leading experts will discuss how carbon farming can be a game-changer for British agriculture. 

At the session “Greenhouse Gas Removal and Carbon Farming”, you’ll learn: 

• How to implement carbon farming techniques on your land  

• The best strategies for selling carbon credits and maximising returns  

• How carbon sequestration ties into the broader sustainability movement  

Speakers will share real-world experiences, insights into evolving carbon markets, and practical advice on how farmers can profit from climate-friendly practices. 

The Future Is Now: Farming for Profit and the Planet 

Carbon farming isn’t just about reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint, it’s about creating a resilient and financially viable future for British farms. By embracing regenerative practices and tapping into the carbon economy, farmers can cut costs, improve soil health, and unlock new income streams. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of the carbon farming revolution. 

Register now for the Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2025 and be part of the conversation! 

Register now!