EXPLORE THE KNOWLEDGE BEHIND GECO 2.2
GECO 2.2 library brings together all project deliverables developed across the Work Packages, offering insights into research activities, methodologies, tools and pilot actions.
From comparative analyses to certification frameworks and field testing results, each document reflects the project’s commitment to transparency, innovation and evidence-based solutions for carbon farming.
The Library is designed as an knowledge hub for farmers, stakeholders, practitioners, policy-makers and researchers interested in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and voluntary carbon markets.
GECO2 model aligned with EU carbon removal certification framework
This deliverable presents a comparative analysis between the GECO2 carbon farming model and the EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework established by Regulation (EU) 2024/3012. The study examines the alignment of GECO2 methodologies with EU requirements for carbon removals, including quantification, additionality, permanence, monitoring, reporting, and verification. It assesses agricultural practices that enhance soil carbon sequestration and evaluates the functioning of voluntary carbon markets within the regulatory context. The report also analyses the GECO2 carbon calculator, certification methodologies, and registry systems used to generate and validate carbon credits. Based on this comparison, strategic recommendations are proposed to improve GECO2.2’s compliance with EU legislation and strengthen its integration into the emerging European carbon removal framework.
Expert–stakeholder panel and cooperation strategy for carbon farming
This report presents the cooperation strategy developed within the GECO 2.2 project, based on the results of an expert–stakeholder panel involving institutional actors, experts, farmers and research centres. The activity fostered dialogue on opportunities and challenges related to the development of voluntary carbon markets in agriculture.
The strategy outlines actions to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, improve the uptake of GECO2 tools and support the integration of project results into regional contexts. Particular attention is given to transparency, knowledge sharing and the development of reliable and sustainable carbon market solutions over the long term.
European projects and initiatives in carbon farming and voluntary carbon markets
This report presents a review of European projects and initiatives related to carbon farming, soil carbon sequestration and voluntary carbon markets, with the aim of identifying potential synergies with the GECO 2.2 project. The analysis explores agricultural practices that enhance CO₂ absorption, as well as digital tools, methodologies and certification approaches used to quantify and verify carbon sequestration.
By comparing different experiences, the report highlights best practices, innovative monitoring and verification systems, and emerging carbon credit frameworks. The findings provide strategic insights to strengthen the GECO 2.2 methodology and support its alignment with European initiatives and the evolving voluntary carbon market landscape.
Turning knowledge into practical solutions.
WP2 enhances the tools developed in the previous GECO2 project, improving their performance, usability and accessibility. The upgraded platform and calculators are designed to better support farmers, businesses and stakeholders in measuring, managing and valuing carbon in agriculture.
Comparative test study on carbon accounting methodologies and tools
This report presents the results of a comparative test study carried out within the GECO 2.2 project to evaluate the performance of the upgraded GECO2 tools, including the web platform and carbon calculators. The analysis is based on pilot applications under real farm conditions, assessing data collection processes, calculation methodologies and output consistency.
The study examines key parameters related to carbon accounting, such as soil management practices, input use, and emission factors, comparing different datasets and calculation approaches. The results highlight the robustness of the tools in estimating carbon balances, while identifying areas for improvement in data harmonisation, system interoperability and user-oriented functionalities.
Advancing sustainable agriculture: outcomes from the conference in Croatia
This report presents the outcomes of the conference “Sustainable future of agriculture: GECO 2.2 Tools”, organised within the GECO 2.2 project funded by the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme. The event focused on Work Package 2 activities, aimed at upgrading GECO2 operational tools, including the web platform and carbon calculators for farmers and buyers, based on a preliminary analysis of user needs.
The conference contributed to stakeholder engagement by involving institutional partners, experts, farmers and local actors, fostering discussion on improved tools and their practical application. The event in Croatia was organised by the Kaštela olive growers’ association “Mastrinka” (PP7), in cooperation with Zadar County Rural Development Agency – AGRRA (PP3) and Dubrovnik-Neretva County (PP4), combining a coordination meeting and a public session to strengthen collaboration and support the development of effective carbon farming solutions.
Building trust through transparency and standards.
This work package focuses on strengthening the credibility of the GECO 2.2 system by aligning its methodologies with internationally recognised certification frameworks. It supports the development of reliable, transparent and verifiable carbon credits, fostering confidence among market actors.
Aligning carbon farming with global standards: insights from the Verra alignment study
This report presents a comparative analysis between the GECO2 methodology and Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), with a focus on VM0042 for Improved Agricultural Land Management. The study, based on pilot tests on farms, highlights the strong alignment of GECO2 with international certification standards in terms of data collection and transparency.
At the same time, it identifies key gaps, particularly in baseline data definition and additionality requirements, which are essential for full compliance with Verra standards. The findings provide useful recommendations to further strengthen the GECO2 system and enhance its compatibility with global carbon credit methodologies.
From concept to real-world impact.
WP4 brings the project to life by testing a regional voluntary carbon market in agriculture. Through pilot activities, stakeholder engagement and capacity building, it demonstrates how carbon farming can create tangible environmental and economic benefits for local communities.
Training activities for carbon farming and voluntary carbon markets
This report presents the general training activities developed under Work Package 4, aimed at supporting capacity building for carbon farming and regional voluntary carbon markets. The activities, carried out between July 2025 and January 2026 across Italy and Croatia, combined awareness-raising, stakeholder engagement and training.
The programme focused on key topics such as climate change mitigation, regenerative agriculture practices, carbon accounting and the European regulatory framework for carbon removals. It also introduced participants to the GECO 2.2 model and digital tools, including carbon calculators and monitoring systems.
The results highlight strong stakeholder participation and high levels of satisfaction, confirming the effectiveness of the training approach in improving knowledge, fostering dialogue and preparing actors to engage in voluntary carbon markets.