SCS Global Services (SCS), a leading third-party environmental certification firm, has announced the successful verification of Africa’s inaugural agricultural carbon offset project under Verra’s Improved Agricultural Land Management (VM0042) methodology. This landmark achievement highlights Africa’s increasing contribution to regenerative agriculture and global climate action through the carbon credit market.
The CNG AgriCarbon Rewards Programme Project (Verra Project 2554), developed in partnership with Anthesis Group, was validated and verified by SCS, resulting in the generation of 39,207 Verified Carbon Units (VCUs). Registered under Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program, this initiative promotes sustainable farming practices across 43,446 acres (17,582 hectares) in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape provinces.
Farmers participating in the project have implemented key strategies, including optimized fertilizer application, reduced tillage, and improved residue management, to enhance soil health and maximize carbon sequestration. Verra’s VM0042 methodology, which involves rigorous soil sampling and biogeochemical modeling, ensures accurate measurement of greenhouse gas reductions.
Notably, since the methodology’s release in October 2020, this is only the second project globally to achieve verification under this stringent standard, demonstrating the project’s exceptional rigor and impact.
“The SCS Greenhouse Gas Carbon Offset Verification Team is proud to be a part of this groundbreaking project,” stated Christie Pollet-Young, Vice President of SCS’ Climate Division. She emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting organizations that demonstrate dedication to innovative conservation practices.
Franz Rentel, Managing Director of Anthesis South Africa, acknowledged SCS’ pivotal role in attaining this milestone, highlighting the significance of achieving validation and verification under Verra’s VM0042 methodology.
SCS Global Services is actively evaluating similar VM0042 projects across Europe, North America, and Africa, further solidifying its position as a key player in advancing global agricultural carbon offset initiatives.
