Carbon farming in Mediterranean olive groves: potential for carbon credits and policy implications
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In the Mediterranean basin, the olive oil sector holds strong potential for carbon credit generation, although it has not yet been assessed following international standards. This study assessed the potential of carbon farming (CF) in 15 farms of Andalusia (Spain) over a five-year crediting period. The CF scenario, involving cover crops, manure, and olive pomace compost, was compared with two baselines: a standardized baseline (StaBL), reflecting typical practices, and an activity-specific baseline (SpeBL), reflecting each farm's current management. Three soil strata were sampled per farm: under canopy, pruning mulch strip, and remaining soil. SOC dynamics were modeled using RothC, whereas emissions from management were estimated with Tier 1 coefficients. Results showed that over the five-year period, soils under both baselines acted as net carbon sources (7.14 Mg CO 2 ha −1 ), whereas CF shifted them to a net sink (−9.66 Mg CO 2 ha −1 ). Emissions from operations and fertilization were slightly higher under CF, but always below 2.50 Mg CO 2 ha −1 . Carbon credits generated ranged from 13.98 to 19.83 Mg CO 2 ha −1 when compared to the StaBL and from 5.32 to 31.42 Mg CO 2 eq ha −1 when compared to SpeBL. The choice of a StaBL distribute credits more evenly across the farms than SpeBL. In total, the 15 farms generated 7,181 Mg CO 2 eq (StaBL) or 7,255 Mg CO 2 eq (SpeBL), corresponding to ∼€47,000 at €6.6 per Mg CO 2 eq. Extrapolated to the 50,000 ha of the PDO Estepa , potential revenues could reach €5.3 million. This case study highlights that considerable potential of carbon farming in Mediterranean olive groves to enhance large-scale atmospheric carbon removal and generate revenue for smallholders. • Carbon farming resulted in net carbon removals or emission reductions in 15 olive groves. • The 440 ha studied could produce 7000 carbon credits in 5 years, worth ∼€47,000. • Carbon credits using standard baseline were more evenly distributed than activity-specific baseline. • Extrapolating 16.1 Mg CO 2 eq ha −1 to 50,000 ha of PDO Estepa could generate ∼€5.3 million.
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,750
OpenAlex ID: W7119465013