Unlocking Profitability and Sustainability: Rivulis Empowers Farmers

According to Jon Baravir, Climate Director, Rivulis, by demystifying the voluntary carbon market. 

Agriculture holds a unique double opportunity to reverse adverse climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere. By adopting more sustainable farming practices, farmers can increase their profitability and significantly contribute to environmental goals. Rivulis is at the forefront of this transformation, providing farmers access to the carbon credit market, simplifying the process, and ensuring tangible benefits. 

The Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), valued at $2 billion in 2022, is projected to expand dramatically, potentially reaching $50 billion by 2030 according to Citi, driven by growing “net zero” corporate commitments. This market represents a largely untapped opportunity for farmers. Less than 1% of carbon credits originate from the agricultural sector, underpinning the relevance of the Rivulis Climate team. Farmers entering this market can create a new income stream without compromising their current operations.

“Rivulis makes it easier for farmers to participate in the VCM by handling all administrative and registration processes free of charge, in exchange for a small percentage of the carbon credit revenue. The estimated cost to register a carbon credit project over time is around $150,000, which Rivulis covers entirely,” says Baravir.

Transitioning to sustainable farming practices and obtaining carbon credits is a complex, long-term process that can take over 24 months. Rivulis supports farmers at every step, from advising on best practices to managing the registration process. Rivulis develops its scientific approaches to measure and model the carbon sequestration impact of such changes, especially in soils and trees, per the requirements of the VCM. Recommendations include switching to drip irrigation, reducing tillage, implementing cover crops, using fewer fertilizers, incorporating residues into the soil, and implementing agroforestry practices.

The impact of Rivulis’ initiatives is evident in the rapid growth of their listed projects, covering over 4,000 hectares (doubling where it was just 6 months ago) globally. For example, a collective of row crop farms in Northern Italy that spans 3,000 hectares, and 150 hectares of farms in Israel, growing avocados more sustainably, have joined the program. Another farm in Portugal, that employs a broad set of sustainable farming practices, like using solar energy and enriching the organic matter in the soil, is replacing intensive corn cultivation with a native olive grove. 

The Rivulis Climate team is in advanced discussions with other growers globally, highlighting the growing awareness and adoption of carbon credits in agriculture.

“This achievement underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and demonstrates our ability to advance complex agronomic solutions and climate-resilient models to drive meaningful environmental and economic benefits,” shares Baravir.

The European Union has begun placing conditions on sustainable farming for agricultural subsidies, and there is active discussion about similar measures in the U.S. Rivulis Climate gears farmers in anticipation of any changes that may happen. 

Benefits for farmers include:

• New Income Source: Carbon credits provide additional revenue without disrupting operations.

• Sustainability: Adopting regenerative agriculture practices leads to healthier soil, increased biodiversity, and reduced chemical use.

• Recognition: Farmers are acknowledged for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and capturing carbon.

• Futureproofing: Stay ahead of regulatory and customer demands regarding environmental impact.

“We invite farmers, stakeholders, and the agricultural community to join in shaping the future of agriculture. Participating in the Rivulis Climate program means farmers benefit financially and contribute to global environmental efforts,” continues Baravir. 

The Voluntary Carbon Market offers a promising avenue for farmers to increase profitability while contributing to climate change mitigation. Rivulis is leading the charge by simplifying access to this market and supporting farmers in adopting sustainable practices. This partnership between farmers and Rivulis is not just talk—it’s a tangible and realistic path to a more profitable and sustainable future.

“By positioning your farm and customers at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, you can do good for both your business and the planet. Join Rivulis in pioneering a program that has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector and make a significant positive impact on our world,” concludes Baravir.