Chavdar Marinov is the CEO of Carbonsafe, the first company in Europe to certify CO2 removals and trade carbon credits derived from organic soil carbon.
Chavdar Marinov has years of experience in leadership and environmental projects focused on carbon capture in agricultural soils. We spoke with him about the company’s strategic vision, innovations and impactful solutions for a greener future, as well as the benefits of implementing sustainable solutions and the cost of carbon credits.
Mr. Marinov, your company has developed its own methodology for measuring and increasing soil carbon. Why should soil carbon be increased?
Soil carbon is essential for the “health” of agricultural lands. In essence, carbon is a major component of organic matter and accounts for about 42% of it. The more organic carbon the soil contains, the better it holds water, is more fertile and has a better structure.
In addition, increasing soil carbon plays a key role in combating climate change, as soil can act as a natural carbon sink, capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. By reducing soil degradation and increasing carbon content, we achieve a double effect – better yields for farmers and a reduction in carbon emissions at a global level.
What does a farmer gain from implementing such a methodology?
There are several key benefits for farmers. One of them is higher fertility and better yields. Soils rich in organic carbon have a better structure and retain more water, which reduces the need for mineral fertilizers and irrigation.
Another significant benefit is financial returns. By participating in our program, farmers can generate carbon credits, which are then sold on the voluntary carbon market. This creates additional income without reducing primary production, and we have even observed an increase in yields by about 4-5%.
Improving soil health helps farms adapt to climate change – to be more resilient to droughts, erosion and other climate challenges. By implementing regenerative farming practices, farmers have long-term sustainability. They not only protect their lands, but also increase the value of their farms.
What is the methodology itself and on what basis do you develop soil carbon strategies for your clients?
Our methodology or validated standard. Carbonsafe is verified by an independent third party (an independent auditor holding the relevant accreditation) and is fully compliant with international standards, such as ISO 14064 and the VCMI voluntary frameworks for measuring and reporting soil carbon. Carbonsafe is the first company in Europe to certify CO2 removals and trade carbon credits derived from organic soil carbon through agricultural activities.
We offer ex-post carbon credits, meaning that emissions have already been reduced or sequestered by soils and are reliably certified before they reach the buyer. This ensures that every purchase represents a proven impact, not a promise of future results.
We use real soil measurements, not mathematical modelling, meaning that we rely on scientifically proven data, not predictions. We establish a baseline for each farm by taking georeferenced soil samples at three depths with specialized probes, following an accredited protocol. Laboratory testing of the soils is carried out by accredited laboratories.
The entire process is managed by specialized software. We track changes in carbon content over time, ensuring that only the carbon sequestration actually achieved is recognized, i.e. is certified and rewarded. We develop customized strategies for farmers, guiding them towards best practices for carbon sequestration, such as reduced tillage, residue management, implementation of cover crops, and optimizing nutrient inputs.
What are the main challenges in implementing the methodology in Bulgaria?
One of the biggest challenges is the limited awareness of farmers about carbon farming and the opportunities it offers. Many farmers are still not familiar with the benefits of these practices, nor with the way in which they can monetize carbon capture.
Another key factor is regulatory uncertainty – there is currently no official national framework for carbon credits, which creates some uncertainty among farmers and investors.
In addition, the implementation of new agricultural practices requires time and effort, and some farmers are cautious about changes to their traditional working methods.
Carbon capture in the soil is accepted as a key solution for reducing emissions in the context of the Green Deal. However, can it have a negative effect on soils if it is added in such a large amount of carbon?
No, because carbon in the soil is not “added” artificially, but accumulates naturally – as a result of processes such as photosynthesis and decomposition of plant residues. This improves the structure of the soil, increases its water-holding capacity and makes farms more resistant to climate change. Soil has the property of containing organic carbon up to about 5% of its volumetric weight. The average content of organic carbon in our soils is about 0.9% or, to put it mildly, tragic.
The decrease in the content of organic matter, respectively carbon, over the last 20-30 years is due to intensive and monoculture agriculture, non-application of scientifically based crop rotations, limited application or complete absence of organic fertilization, unbalanced, one-sided fertilization, mainly with nitrogen fertilizers, which has a negative impact and is a serious factor in the course of dehumification due to the acceleration of the mineralization of organic matter. Failure to apply environmentally friendly agricultural techniques leads to the extraction of the same nutrients from the soil and its impoverishment.
Is your methodology somehow related to carbon certificates?
Yes, the Carbonsafe methodology is directly linked to the issuance of carbon credits. Once an increase in soil carbon is demonstrated, farmers can generate carbon credits, which are then sold on the voluntary market. Each credit represents one metric ton of carbon dioxide (CO₂) that has been captured and stored in the soil.
What companies are most likely to buy carbon credits, and is there more interest in solutions such as soil carbon capture?
Companies that buy carbon credits are mainly large international corporations that have ESG commitments to carbon neutrality, as well as manufacturing companies that have difficulty reducing their emissions in other ways. The food and beverage industry is also a big player, as it has a strong connection to farms. Technology and financial companies that want to improve their environmental footprint often buy carbon credits.
In recent years, carbon sequestration has gained popularity as it offers real, measurable and traceable solutions with a long-term impact on the climate.
Do you expect EU regulations to affect the prices of carbon credits? What is your forecast for the next few years?
Yes, we expect that the new regulations, including the Carbon Removal Certification Framework, will lead to higher standards and increase the credibility of carbon credits. This will likely also lead to an increase in the prices of high-quality credits, such as those from carbon sequestration in the soil.
Our forecasts are that prices will increase in the next 3-5 years, as companies will be obliged to reduce their carbon footprints and the demand for credits will increase.
