Major Update to Verra's Agricultural Land Management Methodology VM0042 (v3.0)
This article is an automatically translated version of the original Japanese article. Please refer to the Japanese version for the most accurate information.
Sustainacraft Inc. newsletter.
Methodology Updates is a series covering methodologies for Carbon and biodiversity Credits. In this article, as part of the Methodology Updates series, we will provide a detailed explanation of the technical changes and impacts of the major update draft (v3.0) of the ALM Methodology VM0042 and its related module VMD0053, for which Verra has launched a public consultation.
(Source: DRAFT VM0042, v.3.0, February 18, 2026)
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Introduction
This month, Verra released a major update (v3.0) draft of VM0042, a key Methodology for ALM (Agricultural Land Management), and VMD0053, a module concerning the use of its biogeochemical model, and launched a public consultation. This update aims to enhance the reliability of Credits by increasing flexibility in Baseline setting for agricultural projects while tightening Verification requirements for model use.
As this revision is a major update, the changes are extensive. Therefore, this article will focus on topics with significant impact for Project Developers and investors. Specifically, we will detail **Baseline setting for group projects**, the **introduction of a cumulative accounting approach**, the **introduction of Blended Baseline** in VM0042, and the **mandated reporting of modeling workflows** and **addition of model Validation tests** in VMD0053.
Background
VM0042 emerged as a more scientific and comprehensive approach, replacing conventional ALM Methodologies (such as VM0017). We have tracked its evolution in previous newsletters.
First, in Monthly: Methodology Updates (March), we explained the introduction of VM0042 and the invalidation of VM0017. This article highlighted VM0042's features: based on the latest scientific knowledge, it covers a wide range of Emission sources, including not only SOC Sequestration but also Methane (CH4) production from soil and enteric fermentation (livestock belching). It also specifies detailed procedures for Uncertainty assessment, referencing module VMD0053 for model use. From that time, the trend for ALM Methodologies to converge towards VM0042 was clear.
Next, in June 2024 Methodology Updates (1/n), we introduced discussions that laid the groundwork for this v3.0 update. Specifically, it was reported that there are plans to eliminate reliance on CDM Methodologies for quantifying woody Biomass and to align with VM0047, the latest VCS ARR (Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation) Methodology. Improvements in sampling protocols and clarification of instance addition procedures for group projects were also mentioned as considerations, and these have been reflected in the current draft.
Most recently, in Verra's Minor Update to ALM and IFM Methodologies, we analyzed the minor update to v2.2 (including permission to use digital soil mapping tool VT0014 and stricter Additionality assessment). While v2.2 focused on data quality and monitoring efficiency, v3.0 proposes more fundamental updates, delving into the structure of Baseline setting and the accounting approach itself.
Industry Status Quo
Carbon Credits in the agricultural sector are garnering attention as a particularly scalable Nature-based Solutions. However, agricultural settings involve complex interactions of climate, soil, crops, and farming practices, posing challenges for uniform Baseline setting and accurate quantification of Emission Reductions.
In particular, the difficulty of Baseline setting in fields with frequent crop rotation and how to assess long-term SOC fluctuations have been significant barriers to project development. Meanwhile, market stakeholders have raised concerns about the "black box" nature of biogeochemical models and the risk of overestimation in quantification, making improved transparency and Verification urgently necessary. The v3.0 draft addresses these challenges by proposing solutions that balance flexibility and rigor.
Changes in VM0042 v3.0
VM0042 v3.0 introduces mechanisms that allow for flexible operation tailored to project realities, while more accurately evaluating long-term climate change mitigation effects.
＊Note: This revision is expected to include a newly published handbook on soil sampling and analysis; however, as it is not yet available at the time of writing, it will not be covered below.
New Guidance for Group Projects
For Grouped Projects, the requirements for determining the Baseline scenario have been clarified. This is a particularly important change when implementing projects that aggregate multiple farmers.