London, UK – July 14, 2026

Social Carbon Ltd has launched version 3.0 of its regenerative agriculture and improved grassland management methodology, SCM0005, for public consultation from 14 July to 14 September 2026.

SCM0005 v3.0 represents a fundamental shift in how Social Carbon supports the design, monitoring and certification of regenerative agriculture projects. The updated methodology introduces a flux-based approach to monitoring Soil Organic Carbon, provides greater clarity on soil sampling and embeds scientific research throughout project design, implementation and monitoring.

The methodology recognises that soil carbon is inherently complex and highly specific to local conditions. Soil type, climate, land-management history and agricultural practices can all influence whether, where and how quickly carbon accumulates.

Rather than prescribing a fixed list of eligible activities, SCM0005 v3.0 takes a data-first approach. Projects are assessed primarily on the evidence they generate and the outcomes they demonstrate, rather than solely on the activities implemented on the ground.

The methodology can be applied across both agricultural and grassland systems and is designed to support a wide range of regenerative practices where projects can demonstrate measurable climate outcomes.

Mike Davies, CEO of Social Carbon, said:

“Many soil carbon methodologies begin with a list of approved activities and assume that implementing those activities will lead to predictable outcomes. The reality is far more complex. The same intervention can produce very different results depending on the soil, climate and local farming system.”

“SCM0005 v3.0 recognises that complexity. It places data, scientific evidence and measured outcomes at the centre of project design and monitoring. We believe this represents a step change in how soil carbon methodologies can support credible regenerative agriculture projects at scale.”

A central feature of the updated methodology is the introduction of flux-based monitoring. This approach allows projects to assess changes in the balance of carbon entering and leaving an agricultural or grassland system, providing a more complete understanding of ecosystem carbon performance.

The methodology also strengthens requirements and guidance for soil sampling, including how projects design sampling strategies, account for spatial variability and generate reliable evidence of changes in Soil Organic Carbon.

Scientific research is integrated throughout the project cycle. Projects must establish an appropriate scientific basis for their proposed interventions and use monitoring results to refine their understanding of how those interventions perform under local conditions.

More than 30 leading soil scientists contributed to the development and review of SCM0005 v3.0, bringing expertise across soil carbon, agricultural systems, grassland management, greenhouse gas accounting and measurement, reporting and verification.

Dr. Hongjun Wang, Chief Scientific Officer at Social Carbon, said:

“Soil carbon cannot be treated as uniform or predictable across landscapes. Credible quantification requires robust sampling, appropriate controls and a clear understanding of the processes influencing carbon gains and losses.”

“This methodology has been designed to connect scientific research with project implementation. It creates a framework through which projects can generate high-quality evidence, learn from monitoring results and demonstrate outcomes with greater confidence.”

The public consultation is open to researchers, project developers, farmers, land managers, carbon market participants and other interested stakeholders. Social Carbon is seeking feedback on the methodology’s scientific approach, applicability requirements, monitoring framework and practical implementation.

All consultation responses will be reviewed as part of the methodology approval process before SCM0005 v3.0 is finalised.

The consultation documents and feedback form are available at:

https://portal.socialcarbon.org/view_public_comments/1784015956312x547206904281301000

About the Social Carbon Ltd

Social Carbon Ltd develops tools and frameworks that align climate integrity with social justice. Its mission is to empower vulnerable communities with the resources, recognition, and revenue they need to protect ecosystems and build resilient futures.

Media Contact:

Mike Davies
Chief Exeutive Officer
Email: news@socialcarbon.org
Website: www.socialcarbon.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-carbon/