In May and June 2026, Carbonsafe participated in two key events organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA), focusing on the implementation of the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification Framework (CRCF).
The first event, CRCF Days 2026, took place on 20 – 21 May in Brussels and online. The forum brought together more than 500 representatives from public institutions, certification schemes, project developers, investors, farming organisations, and experts from across Europe to discuss the future development of the carbon removals and carbon farming market. Carbonsafe joined the programme on the second day, which was dedicated to carbon farming and the future development of the European voluntary carbon market.
Among the main topics discussed were the progress of CRCF implementation, the development of the future EU Buyers’ Club, opportunities for public and private financing of projects, and the upcoming adoption of the first European carbon farming methodologies through a delegated act. It was highlighted that farmers and forest managers will play a crucial role in achieving the European Union’s climate objectives, while carbon farming is gradually becoming an important tool for sustainable land management and the development of more resilient agri-food value chains.
Particular attention was given to the need for stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors, the establishment of sustainable financing mechanisms, and the development of a market built on trust, transparency, and reliable measurement of results. The discussions confirmed that the European Commission views carbon farming as a key instrument for achieving the EU’s climate targets while strengthening the resilience of the agricultural sector.
On 1 June, Carbonsafe also participated in a specialised DG CLIMA webinar dedicated to the recognition process for certification schemes under the CRCF framework. During the event, the European Commission presented the application and assessment procedures for certification schemes, the requirements applicable to certification bodies, and the steps schemes must follow to demonstrate compliance with CRCF requirements and obtain official recognition from the European Commission.
Of particular importance for the sector was the confirmation that, at present, recognition is open only to schemes applying methodologies for permanent carbon removals. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/285 establishes CRCF certification methodologies for three categories of permanent carbon removal activities:
• Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS);
• Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BioCCS);
• Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR).
For certification schemes related to carbon farming, the recognition process will become available after the adoption of the corresponding delegated act, which is expected in autumn 2026. The European Commission also confirmed that additional guidance documents and clarifications will continue to be published to facilitate the implementation of the framework.
The draft delegated regulation on carbon farming is expected to establish certification methodologies for three types of activities:
• Agriculture and agroforestry on mineral soils;
• Rewetting and restoration of peatlands and other organic soils;
• Afforestation.
The webinar further confirmed that there will be no limit to the number of recognised certification schemes and that the application process will remain permanently open. Attention was also drawn to the role of national accreditation bodies, which will participate in assessing the reliability and compliance of certification bodies against the relevant international standards.
Both events clearly demonstrated that the CRCF framework is moving from the regulatory development stage towards practical implementation. With the adoption of the first methodologies and the launch of certification scheme recognition procedures, the focus is gradually shifting towards building a functioning market based on transparency, reliable measurement, and independent verification of results.
Carbonsafe continues to closely monitor the development of the European regulatory framework and actively participate in professional discussions related to carbon farming. For the company, it is strategically important that Bulgarian farmers gain access to reliable certification mechanisms and a market built on measurable and verifiable results.
