Kernel passes Verra field audit for major Ukrainian carbon project

Agricultural company Kernel has successfully completed a field audit by Verra, the organization that oversees the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), a prominent carbon project certification program. The audit took place as part of a joint effort between Kernel and Sentinel Earth to reduce emissions and increase carbon sequestration in a 15,000 hectare project in the Chernihiv region.

Marta Trofimova, Kernel's head of sustainability, emphasized the importance of proving that agricultural emissions reductions can be accurately measured and verified, as the company is directly responsible for the results and data quality.

An independent Verra auditor conducted the inspection of 11 fields within the Druzhba-Nova cluster in Chernihiv, assessing the implementation of climate practices in the fields. The auditor scrutinized the agronomy team and management, examined cultivation technologies, data collection and accounting systems, laboratory operations, and agronomic controls. Following the audit, the expert praised Kernel's high project management and accurate field analytics used for calculating carbon accumulation.

The project has also received preliminary approval from the international carbon-market ratings company Sylvera, which evaluates projects before the first carbon certificates are issued. Kernel is partnering with Sentinel Earth to modify land cultivation practices with the goal of reducing emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration in the soil.

A final decision on the validation and registration of the project with Verra is anticipated in January, after which Kernel will have the right to issue verified carbon certificates in line with international standards.