Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) is conducting a review of the Soil Organic Carbon Method 2021 to assess whether it remains compliant with the Offsets Integrity Standards. Below are the most commonly asked questions
1. What is the Soil Organic Carbon Method 2021?
The Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Method 2021 is a government-approved framework that enables farmers to earn Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) by adopting land management practices that enhance soil carbon levels. It provides the guidelines for how soil carbon sequestration is measured, monitored, and verified under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme
2. What is the periodic review, and why is it happening?
The Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) is conducting a review of the Soil Organic Carbon Method 2021 to assess whether it remains compliant with the Offsets Integrity Standards. This is a routine process designed to ensure the methodology reflects the latest science, maintains integrity, and continues to provide real and measurable climate benefits.
The review also considers whether updates to eligible management activities, measurement techniques, and modelling approaches are necessary in light of emerging technologies and new scientific knowledge
3. What are the Offsets Integrity Standards?
These standards ensure that ACCUs issued under any methodology are:
- Real and measurable – accurately reflecting carbon sequestration or emissions reductions.
- Additional – demonstrating that the carbon stored would not have happened without the project.
- Verifiable – ensuring reliable monitoring and reporting.
- Conservative and transparent – maintaining strict data and audit standards.
4. Who is conducting the review?
The Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC), an independent statutory committee under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 (CFI Act), oversees the review. Its role is to ensure that all carbon methodologies meet high integrity standards and continue to support the integrity of the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) scheme
5. Does the review impact existing soil carbon projects?
✅ No impact on existing projects. If your soil carbon project is already registered or your application has been submitted, your project remains valid under the current method. ACCUs will continue to be issued under the existing framework.
6. How does this affect new projects?
This is an ideal time to apply. Registering a project now ensures participation under the existing method, providing certainty and access to potential carbon revenue. While the review may introduce refinements, the fundamental framework will remain in place, and early adopters can avoid any delays or uncertainty caused by future changes.
7. Is this the end of the Soil Organic Carbon Method?
No. The review is not about discontinuing the method—it is an opportunity to strengthen it. AgriProve fully expects this process to reinforce the method’s quality and integrity, ensuring it remains practical, effective, and scientifically robust.
8. How is AgriProve involved?
As Australia’s largest soil carbon project developer, AgriProve is actively engaging with the review to ensure it reflects real-world insights from farmers. With:
- Over 75% of all registered soil carbon projects,
- The highest number of credited and audited projects, and
- Industry-leading expertise in soil carbon measurement and verification,
AgriProve is committed to advocating for a methodology that is both practical for landholders and scientifically rigorous.
9. How can farmers provide input on the review?
Farmers can contribute to the review process by:
📅 Attending an online information session – 11 March 2025, 2:00 – 2:45 pm AEDT
📝 Submitting feedback to ERAC – Public submissions are open until 11 April 2025
This is a chance for landholders to have their voices heard and influence the future of soil carbon projects.
10. What improvements could result from the review?
The review provides an opportunity to:
- Enhance measurement techniques – leveraging emerging technologies for improved accuracy and efficiency.
- Streamline participation – reducing complexity to make it easier for farmers to register and benefit.
- Ensure long-term viability – reinforcing Australia’s global leadership in soil carbon sequestration.
11. What happens after the review is completed?
Once ERAC completes its review, it will provide recommendations to the Australian Government. These could include:
- Maintaining the current method if it meets all integrity standards.
- Refining specific aspects, such as eligible activities or measurement techniques.
- Introducing a new version of the method, while ensuring continuity for existing projects.
Any changes will go through a consultation period before implementation.
12. If changes are made, will farmers with existing projects need to comply with new rules?
No. Any updates to the method will apply only to new projects registered after the changes take effect. Projects already registered or pending approval will continue under the Soil Organic Carbon Method 2021.
13. Will the review impact ACCU prices or demand?
The review reinforces confidence in soil carbon projects by ensuring they meet the highest integrity standards. Strengthened methodologies can increase demand for high-integrity ACCUs, benefiting farmers participating in carbon projects.
14. What are the key deadlines farmers should be aware of?
- 11 March 2025 – Online information session for landholders.
- 11 April 2025 – Deadline for public submissions to ERAC.
- Mid-2025 (expected) – ERAC releases recommendations.
Farmers considering a soil carbon project should register as soon as possible to secure participation under the current method.