GFarm for LIFE

GFarm for LIFE aims to develop a systematic ecosystem model for the more accurate and reliable assessment and registration of GHG emissions in the AFOLU sector, and to design a framework for a national carbon absorption certification and monitoring. GFarm for LIFE will refine the current state-of-the-art technology for monitoring GHS emissions on whole farm and forestry land by using data sources (including data from direct farming activities data; declared farm machinery telematic data; data from public sector institutions; earth observation (EO) and soil sampling data; and additional data), and will be based on an holistic framework that will enable and support the transition towards carbon farming practices. 

The project aims to play a key role in the systemic change required for the transition to carbon farming in the Lithuanian and European AFOLU system that benefits producers, consumers, the climate and the environment.  

The project seeks to develop holistic GHG emission evaluation methods and a calculation infrastructure to support agriculture, environment and climate policy decision makers, and to improve CAP performance, minimise administrative burdens and measure the effect of policy decisions. GFarm for LIFE has defined these specific objectives: 
- Develop, pilot and validate holistic methodologies and streamlined procedures for GHG emission and sequestration assessment for the Lithuanian AFOLU sector at local (farm), regional and national levels. 
- Collect, update and validate soil and forestry monitoring databases at local, regional and national levels in Lithuania as a framework for a monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) structure. 
- Develop, pilot and implement a common technological infrastructure and cross-platform digital tools for GHG balance monitoring, accounting, data exchange and governance for the agriculture sector. 
- Establish and pilot an incentives framework at the national level for reducing the climate impact of the Lithuanian AFOLU sector, based on market principles (by encouraging additional investment), policy guidelines and farmer behavioural change.