Major Update to Verra Grassland Management Methodology VM0032

This article is an automatically translated version of the original Japanese article. Please refer to the Japanese version for the most accurate information.

This is the newsletter from sustainacraft Inc.

Methodology Updates is a series that covers carbon and biodiversity credit methodologies. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the major revision proposal (v2.0) for the grassland management methodology VM0032, which Verra has been conducting a public consultation on this month, focusing on its comparison with the agricultural land management methodology VM0042.

(Source: Revision to VM0032 Methodology for the Adoption of Sustainable Grasslands through Adjustment of Fire and Grazing, v1.0, accessed January 26, 2026)

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Introduction

Verra released a draft for a major update (v2.0) of methodology VM0032, "Sustainable Native Grasslands Management through Adjustment of Fire and Grazing," targeting GHG Emission Reduction and Removal projects through grassland management, and conducted a public consultation (which concluded on January 23, 2026).

This article will explain the key changes in the VM0032 v2.0 draft and thoroughly analyze the differentiation from the similar methodology, VM0042 "Improved Agricultural Land Management v2.2." We will delve into technical details, particularly how the previously ambiguous definition of "grassland" has been clarified, and how activities such as Fire Management will be addressed. Specifically, we will cover the following points:

1. New eligibility requirements and monitoring methods introduced in VM0032 v2.0
2. Differences in the scope of application between VM0032 v2.0 and VM0042 v2.2 (land use and activity types)
3. Details of the technical tightening in baseline setting and uncertainty assessment

Background

Verra's methodologies in the agricultural land and grassland management sectors are evolving rapidly. VM0042, in particular, is widely used as a key methodology for Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Credits and has been frequently covered in our newsletters.

In Minor Updates to Verra's ALM and IFM Methodologies, we provided a detailed explanation of the release of VM0042 v2.2. This revision introduced many improvements, including the adoption of the VT0008 tool for Additionality assessment, the application of VMD0054 for Leakage assessment, and the limited allowance of Digital Soil Mapping (DSM). While VM0042 is positioned as a comprehensive methodology covering general agricultural land management, its broad scope presented challenges in addressing specific management activities (such as Fire Management) in particular ecosystems (especially natural grasslands and savannas).

On the other hand, as introduced in New Methodologies for ALM (Agricultural Land Management), a quantification approach combining direct measurement and models is becoming mainstream in the ALM sector. This revision of VM0032 can be seen as a move to apply the rigorous standards of the previously updated VM0042 v2.2 to grassland management-specific methodologies.

The aim of this VM0032 revision is to enhance project credibility by eliminating overlap with VM0042 and establishing strict carbon accounting rules specifically for Natural Grasslands. A particularly significant feature, not found in other ALM methodologies, is the explicit incorporation of Fire Management as a management tool.

It should be noted that this public consultation goes beyond merely presenting a revision proposal; it also includes the scope of discussion on whether to continue the VM0032 methodology at all. In other words, feedback from stakeholders is being sought on whether to maintain VM0032 as an independent methodology and clearly differentiate it from VM0042 (Option 1), or to retire VM0032 and integrate its scope into the comprehensive agricultural land management methodology VM0042 (Option 2). However, in this newsletter, we will introduce the content from the perspective of what changes are being proposed if Option 1 is pursued.

Key Changes and Features of VM0032 v2.0

The VM0032 v2.0 draft proposes significant revisions to eligibility conditions, activity definitions, and quantification methods. Furthermore, high standards similar to VM0042 v2.2 have been introduced regarding data quality and uncertainty assessment.

Clarification of Scope: Specialization in Natural Grasslands

The most significant change is that the definition of eligible land is limited to "Natural, Untilled Grasslands."

• Eligible Ecosystems: Bushlands, Rangelands, Savannas, Grasslands, Grassy woodlands.
• Ineligible Activities: Tillage, Re-seeding (with some exceptions), application of nitrogen fertilizers.
• Removal of Degradation Requirement: The current version (v1.0) required proof that the project area was "Degraded." This requirement has been removed in v2.0, making it easier for land that is not actively degrading but requires appropriate management, or conservation activities, to be eligible.

Eligible Activities: Integration of Fire Management

VM0032 v2.0 positions not only grazing management but also Fire Management as a primary project activity.