The GECO2 project was launched to implement an experimental market of carbon credits for the agricultural sector, with the aim of boosting sustainability and promoting the fight against climate change among farmers and businesses.

The final results will be presented at Macfrut Fruit&Veg Professional Show, on Wednesday 22 May 2022, at 14:30, during a public conference that will be attended — among others — by MEP Paolo De Castro, Emilia-Romagna Region vicepresident Elly Schlein, Emilia-Romagna Agriculture Councillor Alessio Mammi and Legacoop Agroalimentare president Cristian Maretti.

The GECO2 project was born in 2019 as a collaborative effort between eight partners of the adriatic regions of Italy and Croatia: Arpae Emilia-Romagna, Legacoop Romagna, Marche Region, Molise Region, CIHEAM Bari, Rera sd and Dubrovnik Neretva Region.

The starting point are the harsh consequences that the agri-food sector is suffering from global warming. Thanks to new and more sustainable agricultural practices it is possible to offset part of the greenhouse gas emissions, capturing and storing CO2 in the soil and in the biomasses.

Attributing an economic value to these activities is the key to incentivate their adoption. Hence the idea of creating a voluntary market of equivalent credit/debits of carbon dioxide (CO2e) based on the agricultural sector.

«The farmer who can measure and monetize the CO2 stocking activities is driven to embrace the fight against climate change», says GECO2’s project manager Antonio Cinti. «Processing companies are made aware of their emissions and can employ credits as a strong marketing lever to increase the added value of their products. Eventually, local communities can enjoy better environmental conditions and more sustainable food. It’s a win-win situation».

To attend the event please register here