National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)

Gaïago

GAIAGO Soil Revitalization Project for Cropland

The GAIAGO soil carbon program is a large-scale regenerative agriculture initiative designed to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks across croplands in Europe. Operating across multiple countries—including France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands—the program supports farmers in transitioning to regenerative practices while generating scientifically quantified carbon removals.

At the core of the project is the application of 

, a biostimulant developed by GAIAGO, which activates soil microbiology—particularly fungal networks—enhancing the soil’s natural ability to capture and store carbon.

, directly quantifying changes in soil organic carbon over time through field sampling and analysis.

 On-site measurement of SOC stocks at baseline, year 3, and year 5

 Net changes in SOC, including emissions associated with biostimulant production and application

 Fully aligned with ISO 14064-2:2019 for project-level GHG quantification and reporting

 Aligned with the Gold Standard Soil Organic Carbon Framework Methodology, particularly the SOC Activity Module for biostimulants for soil revitalisation

 Based on Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) soil sampling methodologies

 To ensure permanence, GAIAGO retains the right to conduct random audits over a 20-year period. A 20% buffer is applied in line with Gold Standard recommendations to mitigate reversal risk

 Farmers participating in the GAIAGO program do not receive subsidies from the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). According to contractual agreements, they must disclose participation in any other programs that could compromise the project’s additionality

This rigorous approach ensures that carbon removals are based on 

direct measurement rather than modeling alone

Independent third-party verification has been conducted by DNV, confirming that the project’s methodology, data, and calculations are consistent with ISO 14064-2 requirements and fairly represent the achieved carbon sequestration.

To ensure full transparency and market integrity, carbon credits generated by the GAIAGO program are issued via 

, a blockchain-based issuance infrastructure.

blockchain-enabled issuance and settlement

, the project delivers a high-integrity framework where both environmental outcomes and carbon transactions are fully transparent and independently verifiable.

Beyond carbon removal, the GAIAGO program delivers significant ecosystem benefits by restoring soil health and enhancing agricultural resilience:

 Improved structure, aeration, and nutrient cycling

 Increased water infiltration and retention capacity

 Activation of soil microbiota, including fungi, bacteria, and earthworms

 Enhanced root development and improved decomposition of crop residues, leading to a better yield and quality on some crops sensitive to degraded soils (potato, sugar beet, corn, vegetables, vineyard)

These improvements contribute to more resilient agricultural systems capable of adapting to climate variability and extreme weather.

The program is designed to maximize value for farmers, enabling long-term adoption of regenerative practices:

Up to ~80% of transition costs are covered through carbon finance

100% of carbon credit revenue (net of project costs) is redistributed to farmers

Continuous technical training and agronomic support

Knowledge-sharing through field workshops and peer learning

This model aligns financial incentives with climate outcomes, making regenerative agriculture economically viable at scale.

A Scalable Model for Climate-Smart Agriculture

science-based methodologies, direct measurement, and farmer-centered incentives

 can unlock scalable carbon removals in agriculture.

By turning soils into verified carbon sinks while improving productivity and resilience, the project offers a 

high-integrity pathway to climate action with tangible co-benefits for ecosystems and rural communities

The Gaiago soil revitalization project is a nature-based solution that supports farmers in France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands in transitioning to regenerative agriculture through the mandatory application of soil biostimulants and improved land management practices to enhance carbon sequestration.

A protocol for measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification of soil organic carbon in agricultural landscapes. 

Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation

Gaiago soil revitalization project for cropland

ISO 14064-2 Aligned Soil Carbon Sequestration Methodology

Gaïago Soil Revitalization Project for Cropland

A European regenerative agriculture program that improves nutrient availability and water absorption, while increasing soil organic matter, leading to significant carbon sequestration. Using Nutrigeo®, an innovative fungi-based biostimulant, and direct soil measurements, GAIAGO delivers high-integrity removals verified under the ISO 14064-2 standard. Credits are issued via Carbonmark Direct, ensuring blockchain-enabled transparency, traceability, and instant retirement.