OLEO MITIGA Operational Group: Application of models and valorization in carbon markets of mitigation technologies based on good management practices in traditional olive groves

The 2023 National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report, published by MITECO, reveals that the agricultural sector accounts for 11.9% of GHG emissions in Spain. However, this sector has the potential to act as a carbon sink through nature-based practices, which can be certified according to ISO 14064-2:2019 and ISO 14064-3:2019 standards to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the reported data.

Benefits for farmers: GHG reduction certification allows access to carbon markets, earning income from carbon credits and improving soil and biodiversity sustainability. It also strengthens the sector's environmental image, promoting resource efficiency and cost reduction. Validation and verification: Standards such as the Golden Standard and ISO guide the quantification and verification of emissions for consistent and verifiable results. GHG validation is critical to the integrity of climate efforts. With ISO 14064 standards, olive farms can effectively contribute to emissions reduction and be recognized in carbon markets.

Current practices for carbon capture and mitigation in olive groves include sustainable techniques that improve soil health and reduce CO2 emissions. These practices include conservation tillage, which reduces soil disturbance and limits herbicide use, preventing carbon oxidation.

The incorporation of pruning waste is also used, increasing organic matter and improving water retention and soil structure. Mulching olive groves is another key practice, as it captures CO2 and promotes biodiversity, improving infiltration and microbial activity. The use of manure, compost, and humus enriches the soil with nutrients and organic matter, benefiting microbial activity. The use of herbicides and phytosanitary products is also reduced, adopting integrated management to minimize CO2 emissions.

Optimizing irrigation in irrigated olive groves improves water and energy efficiency, promoting biomass development. Integrated livestock farming contributes to biomass control and generates natural fertilization. These practices are complemented by the reduction of synthetic fertilizers, favoring low-carbon footprint products for more sustainable management.

The Oleo Mitiga Operational Group is leading an innovative project that transforms traditional Andalusian olive groves into an ally against climate change. Supported by agricultural and environmental experts, this project seeks to transform olive groves into net sinks for greenhouse gases (GHG).

Carbon credits are key in this fight, allowing companies to offset their emissions through investments in projects that reduce or capture carbon. Farmers yearn for economic incentives that recognize sustainable practices already implemented, aligning with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and eco-regimes.

Oleo Mitiga, which collaborates with several entities, focuses on developing models that leverage carbon markets through mitigation technologies. Its work covers four areas: emissions mitigation, monitoring, carbon markets, and communication.

The project also promotes group audits to reduce monitoring costs and foster collaboration among farmers, turning olive groves into effective carbon sinks and contributing to climate change mitigation.

The Oleo Mitiga Operational Group is leading an innovative project to implement models and leverage carbon markets through mitigation technologies in traditional Andalusian olive groves. With the participation of AMBIENTA, the ETSIAM of the University of Córdoba, and REALIMA, and the support of partners such as ASAJA CÓRDOBA, the project evaluates the impact of these technologies as net greenhouse gas sinks.

Funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Regional Government of Andalusia, it addresses the urgent need for climate change mitigation measures. Approximately 30% of contributions to the Paris Agreement include land-use-based initiatives, but there are uncertainties regarding their effectiveness. Oleo Mitiga focuses on land-based mitigation technologies (LMTs) and addresses challenges such as erosion and nutrient loss. The project's four lines of work include mitigation technologies, monitoring, carbon markets, and outreach, with the aim of converting olive groves into carbon sinks and improving their sustainability and competitiveness.