Expanding the Scope to Deliver Agri-Food Transitions
The Climate Bonds Initiative is excited to announce the commencement of the public consultation for the new Agriculture Production (Crop and Livestock) Criteria under the Climate Bonds Standard. This development marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to address the climate impacts of agriculture and promote sustainable practices within the sector.
Expanding the Scope of Agriculture Criteria
The version 3.0 update of the Agriculture Production Criteria aims to expand its scope beyond green bonds to include the certification of entities and sustainability-linked debt (SLD). This will cover various transition guidance for entities and their debt, within the agriculture production agribusiness. Given that agriculture production within farms represents the largest source of climate emissions within food systems, this update is crucial for investments targeting climate change mitigation.
Resources:
- Public Consultation Feedback Form
- Draft Agriculture Production (Crop & Livestock) Criteria Document
- Draft Agriculture Production (Crop & Livestock) Background Paper
Comprehensive Impact Assessment
The updated criteria will encompass the entire farm lifecycle, including land use, land use changes, farming practices and the production and use of inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides, machinery, and irrigation. While the primary focus remains on climate impacts, the criteria will also address include safeguards for biodiversity, water use and pollution, animal welfare, and social aspects.
Emphasis on Transition Pathways
Aligned with the Climate Bonds Standard, the updated criteria will place a strong emphasis on transition pathways. This involves incorporating mitigation options within crop and livestock systems, informed by the latest scientific research, including the most recent reports from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
The Last Word: Get Involved
The public consultation phase is crucial for refining and improving the criteria. Input from various stakeholders, including farmers, industry experts, and environmental advocates, will ensure that the criteria are comprehensive, practical, and effective in promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
We invite all interested parties to participate in the public consultation process and provide their valuable feedback. Your insights will help shape the future of sustainable agriculture and ensure that the criteria meet the highest standards of environmental integrity.
For more information and to participate in the public consultation, please follow the link:
Join us in this vital initiative to transform agriculture and build a climate-resilient future.
‘Til Next Time,
Climate Bonds.
