Partnership enables cotton farmers to sell carbon credits
Compliance platform operator Bizpando has joined forces with the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) to launch a project to promote carbon credits in cotton production.
The aim is to empower African smallholder farmers to improve soil quality, sequester CO2 and create additional sources of income.
By using sustainable agricultural strategies such as the use of biochar [a type of charcoal], minimal tillage and the cultivation of cover crops, up to 5.75 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year can be sequestered in the soil, the partners said.
African farmers who grow cotton in accordance with the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) standard could benefit from additional income from the sale of carbon credits.
Tina Stridde, managing director of the Aid by Trade Foundation, said: “Our work is grounded in the principles of climate-smart agriculture, which not only protects the environment and conserves resources but also enhances the productivity of cotton producers. Beyond the licensing income generated from Cotton made in Africa-verified cotton, collaborations like this foster sustainable opportunities for smallholder farmers in Africa.”
Bizpando’s GPS-supported measurement system is being developed to map the areas under cultivation and verify the origin and quantity of carbon credits. The platform will issue the necessary certificates and ensure that proceeds are paid directly to the farmers.
Founded in 2005, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) looks after Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic), Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS), and The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS).
