Smart Carbon Farming (SCF) partners recently convened in Normandy, France, for an intensive two-day project meeting hosted by Ver de Terre Production (VDT). This gathering combined critical project discussions with hands-on field experiences, offering an up-close view of practical carbon farming techniques in action. From brainstorming sessions to farm visits, the event highlighted how SCF is pioneering efforts to transform carbon storage in agricultural soils into a tool for holistic land management.
As part of the meeting, SCF teams advanced their work on pilot project designs, aiming to introduce cutting-edge monitoring technologies in the field next year. These pilots will allow the team to gather valuable data on carbon sequestration, testing various approaches in real-world settings. While these discussions laid essential groundwork, the field visits brought a unique perspective, grounding the project in the tangible realities of agriculture. It was clear that the potential of carbon farming reaches far beyond carbon dioxide reduction—it represents a powerful model for healthier, more resilient soils that can better withstand the pressures of climate change.
VDT emphasised this broader vision, showcasing a holistic approach to soil management that integrates biodiversity and resilience into farming practices. Their message was that a well-rounded carbon farming strategy can yield benefits beyond carbon storage alone. It fosters the development of soils that are healthier, more biodiverse, and less vulnerable to extreme weather events. Over time, these soils contribute to improved food quality and security, strengthening the foundation for sustainable agricultural systems.
Showcasing Practical Carbon Farming Techniques at EARL Les Petits Ifs
Day one of the field visits offered a deep dive into the SCF approach, with the team visiting a large-scale farm (over 200 hectares) where practical carbon farming techniques started in 2016, such as no-till, had boosted soil organic matter (OM) from 1.3% to 2.1%, marking a clear improvement in soil health. We observed how a combination of cover crops, compost application, and direct seeding (in place of traditional tilling) can significantly boost soil resilience and enhance carbon storage capacity. Intercropping, the practice of planting different crops alongside one another, enriches the soil’s microbial ecosystem and improves nutrient cycling. Compost aids in soil structure and organic matter content, while direct seeding reduces soil disruption, preserving its structure, biodiversity (earthworms, fungi and their mycelial networks, etc.) and carbon stores.
This experience underscored the need for flexibility in carbon farming strategies. Although best practices are foundational, farmers often need to adapt to immediate challenges, such as weather fluctuations or urgent harvest needs. The team noted that pragmatic decision-making—like modifying practices in response to environmental conditions—plays a critical role in successful carbon farming. This insight also highlighted a need for adaptable frameworks in policy-making. As the European Union’s Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming regulations (CRCF) approach, ensuring they allow tailored, farmer-friendly measures will be crucial to effective and sustainable carbon sequestration.
A Holistic Agroecology Perspective at Les Serres de Marcel
The second day took the team to VDT’s innovative greenhouse station, Les Serres de Marcel, where we gained insight into the transformative potential of agroecology. Here, VDT demonstrated how carbon is placed at the heart of a living, self-fertile soil ecosystem. Their approach integrates natural processes to foster a dynamic, biodiverse environment in which soil health can flourish sustainably. Les Serres de Marcel is an experimental space dedicated to advancing agricultural techniques that harmonise with the land rather than deplete it. After installing carbon farming techniques in 2021, OM skyrocketed from 2.3% to 10% in just 3 years due to massive inputs of organic matter.
An unexpected takeaway from this visit was the beneficial role of “weeds” such as clover and grass. Contrary to traditional agricultural practices that often eliminate these plants, VDT showed that they could positively impact crop production when managed correctly. Small, non-invasive and permanent weeds produce biomass that supports soil structure, boosts biodiversity, and even aids in carbon storage, as long as they’re kept from overshadowing the main crop’s photosynthesis. This insight reinforces the concept of holistic land management, where every plant, from crops to cover vegetation, contributes to an ecosystem that supports carbon farming goals.
Looking Ahead: SCF’s Vision for the Future of Carbon Farming
The Normandy field visits provided invaluable lessons and deepened SCF’s commitment to innovative and adaptable carbon farming strategies. As SCF gears up for next year’s pilot testing, the insights gained from VDT’s expertise will play a critical role in shaping both technology implementation and hands-on practices in the field. The goal remains to develop carbon farming as a robust, multifaceted solution that improves soil health, supports biodiversity, and builds resilience against climate change—all while providing sustainable, nutritious food.
Stay tuned for updates from the SCF team as we continue to learn and share more from our field experiences. Special thanks go to Alexandre Cottin, Vincent Levavasseur, Esther Le Toquin, and the entire VDT team for their expertise and hospitality. Together, we are laying the foundation for a carbon farming future that enriches both our soils and our communities.
Article by: Alexandre Cottin (Ver de Terre Productions), Caitlin Ball (Bax)