Agoro Carbon has signed a breakthrough 12-year agreement with Microsoft (MSFT Stock) to deliver 2.6 million high-quality soil carbon removal credits. This long-term commitment represents one of the largest agricultural carbon removal deals ever made and sets a new industry standard for trust, durability, and scale.
The credits will be produced from Agoro Carbon’s regenerative agriculture projects across the United States. These projects help farmers and ranchers adopt climate-smart practices such as cover cropping, rotational grazing, and reduced tillage, all aimed at capturing carbon dioxide and storing it in the soil for the long term. This is how they help farmers improve their soil while reducing climate impact.
Why Soil Carbon Matters?
Soil is one of the planet’s most powerful carbon sinks. With the right practices, it can absorb and store carbon from the atmosphere, helping slow climate change while also restoring land health.
Improving soil organic matter has many added benefits:
- Higher nutrient cycling for better crop health
- Enhanced microbial activity for stronger root systems
- Improved water infiltration for drought resilience
- Better field performance under stress conditions
By increasing organic carbon in the soil, regenerative agriculture boosts both environmental and economic resilience for producers.
Agoro Carbon: Supporting Farmers, Removing Carbon
Founded by Yara International, Agoro Carbon Alliance’s carbon program uses science to guide farmers through simple steps to adopt eco-friendly practices.
It offers helpful tools, payments, and support to make the switch easier. At the same time, it gives businesses reliable and trackable carbon removals to help them reach their net-zero goals.
Producers who join the program see several benefits. Their soil becomes healthier and more productive, helping crops grow better. It also holds water longer, making it more resistant to drought. With improved biodiversity, farmers often see better yields.
They can also reduce the use of chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides. Plus, they earn extra income by selling carbon credits.
Verified by Verra: Soil Projects Meet the Highest Standards
Agoro’s projects are developed under Verra’s VM0042 methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management (ALM). This ensures the credits meet strict scientific and third-party verification standards. Microsoft, known for demanding high-integrity removals, selected Agoro Carbon based on its strong track record, data-driven approach, and commitment to quality.
Making Regenerative Practices Rewarding
Apart from offering carbon credits, Agoro Carbon provides a new path for producers to thrive while protecting the environment. Farmers and ranchers can choose from two flexible payment options:
- Annual upfront payments to help with initial practice changes
- Lump-sum payments after credit verification based on the actual carbon captured
This financial support makes it easier for producers to transition to sustainable practices without disrupting their operations. Agoro also provides direct access to expert agronomists and field specialists who help tailor solutions to each farm’s unique needs.
The company handles the process from start to finish, which includes data collection, carbon credit certification, and sales to companies like Microsoft. The biggest benefit is making participation for farmers and ranchers as seamless as possible.
Microsoft Backs Verified Soil Carbon Credits to Reach Its Climate Goal
Microsoft aims to be carbon negative by 2030 and to cut all its past carbon emissions by 2050. To achieve this, it also needs reliable ways to remove carbon from the atmosphere. This is why carbon removal plays a key role in their sustainability map.
And this deal once again shows that the tech giant is now trusting in soil carbon as a reliable way to remove emissions. It also reaffirms the company’s faith in high-quality removals and helps build broader trust in the voluntary carbon market. In a broader sense, it exemplifies how agriculture can contribute to climate solutions.
- Over 12 years, the credits delivered to Microsoft will represent the removal of 2.6 million metric tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere. It is equivalent to taking more than half a million cars off the road for a year.
Microsoft has been steadily investing in nature-based solutions like biochar, soil carbon credits, ARR, and ERW to cut emissions. By choosing trusted, high-quality carbon removals, it’s building a smart mix of natural and tech-based methods to reach its net-zero goal.
What makes this deal stand out is its strong focus on trust and science. Agoro Carbon uses advanced tools, soil testing, and third-party checks to make sure every carbon credit is real and reliable. Last but not least, it gives Microsoft solid, trackable results.
