Corporate compensation for carbon sequestration in agricultural soil

Carbon sequestration in soil has gained attention in the EU as a means for farmers to reduce net greenhouse gas emission from agriculture. Corporate funding can serve as an additional resource for these efforts. Currently, several business initiatives in the EU are developing models to attract finance, advance knowledge, and pursue practical solutions. In this Focus, we review the challenges and experiences faced by such initiatives. We find that private business models can be feasible but that their success in climate change mitigation relies critically on system design, verification, and accountability. Public resources are still necessary as healthy soils are a public good. Additionally, a holistic approach is needed to incorporate carbon sequestration into a broader environmental agenda for agriculture.