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UPL Corporation, a leader in sustainable agricultural solutions, has reached a pivotal milestone with its Carbon Smart Program, receiving certification for the first batch of 26,102 carbon credits from Verra, a global authority on carbon credit certification. This program is designed to empower farmers to implement regenerative practices that enhance soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and sequester carbon.

The Carbon Smart initiative not only fosters environmental stewardship but also provides farmers with an alternative revenue stream through the sale of carbon credits. Hein van der Merwe, UPL's Regional Head for Marketing and Business Development in Africa, emphasized the significance of this certification, noting its validation of the program's scientific integrity. He stated, “This milestone proves that sustainable farming can deliver real financial and environmental benefits.”

In collaboration with Orizon, UPL has positioned Carbon Smart as one of the few projects globally to receive credits under Verra's VM0042 methodology, which focuses on improved agricultural land management. Michael Lilje, CEO of Orizon, recognized the effort required from both UPL and the pioneering farmers involved. He stated that their joint efforts are crucial in transitioning farmers toward regenerative practices, thus scaling the impact of sustainable agriculture.

The initial carbon credits are based on measurable enhancements in soil organic carbon across 2,884 hectares of maize farmland, achieved through techniques such as reduced tillage and cover cropping, supplemented by UPL's NPP biosolutions. This initiative prioritizes farmers, with most revenue from credit sales directed to them, demonstrating that building a resilient agricultural sector can coexist with environmental sustainability. Matthew Kensett, UPL's Specialized Agri Solutions and Intelligence Lead, noted their commitment to supporting farmers who are at the forefront of climate-positive agriculture in South Africa.

Looking forward, UPL Corporation intends to expand the Carbon Smart Program beyond its pilot phase, engaging with food value chain partners to include a wider variety of crops and regions. This initiative is integral to UPL's ambitious Gigaton Carbon Goal, which aims to remove one billion tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere by 2040.