WASHINGTON – December 14, 2023 | Verra and Trees for Farmers, a pilot program within Rabobank’s Carbon Bank, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build the bank’s knowledge of Verra’s standards programs and methodologies for land use-based climate change mitigation projects. This will increase Rabobank’s ability to engage in the carbon markets through, for example, capacity-building for validation/verification bodies and Verra Registry navigation.
Verra and Rabobank’s (external) efforts are closely linked through land use projects within Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard Program. Land use greenhouse gas mitigation projects are essential to addressing the climate crisis as they encourage biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, support local communities and promote sustainable agriculture practices. The information sharing and training provided by Verra will also center on Verra’s new methodology for afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation projects and its methodology for improved agricultural land management.
“Verra is an industry-leading organization that matches our initiative’s high-quality standard and global ambitions. I am delighted that following this agreement we can extend our collaboration by increased knowledge and best practice sharing, further benefiting the sustainable impact of our Rabo Carbon Bank Trees for Farmers initiative towards the climate, communities and biodiversity.”
“This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important commitment by Verra and Rabobank to facilitate the exchange of optimal approaches, foster the advancement of sustainable development and collaboratively tackle the climate crisis. It couldn’t come at a better time as sustainably feeding the growing world’s population requires us to rethink our food systems and share information and best practices to ensure food is produced in ways that benefit communities and the climate.”
For questions and inquiries, please contact:
Jeremy Warren | Senior Manager for Media Relations
jwarren@verra.org | 512-851-9133
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About Rabo Carbon Bank and Trees for Farmers
The Rabo Carbon Bank (a department within develops climate-smart initiatives that help farmers reduce, remove or avoid carbon (equivalent) emissions. Its solutions take a holistic approach to sustainability on the farm (using [agro] forestry, regenerative agriculture and pilot solutions in dairy).
The Trees for Farmers initiative offers a solution for large-scale farmers who are looking to utilize marginal land with little agricultural value. By planting a mix of native species with long durability, the initiative primarily focuses on qualitative carbon sequestration alongside increasing biodiversity to combat climate change. In addition to positively impacting the environment, the initiative also supports farmers and local communities by helping them become more resilient. By monetizing the “ecosystem benefits” of the trees they plant, the initiative enables farmers to generate carbon credits. Overall, the Trees for Farmers initiative aims to provide a sustainable and profitable approach to land use that benefits both the environment and the people who depend on it.
About Verra
Verra is a nonprofit organization that operates the world’s leading carbon crediting program, the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program, as well as other standards programs in environmental and social markets. Verra is committed to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve livelihoods and protect natural resources by working with the private and public sectors. Verra supports climate action and sustainable development with standards programs and tools that credibly, transparently and robustly assess environmental and social impacts and enable funding for sustaining and scaling up projects that verifiably deliver these benefits.