Soil Conservation – Biodiverse Pastures is an intervention aimed at agricultural holdings with spontaneous, natural or sown permanent grasslands, with the goal of improving soil health, increasing carbon sequestration and reducing the risk of erosion.

This intervention promotes soil management practices focused on the efficient use of resources and on supporting the transition of the agricultural sector towards a low-carbon economy that is more resilient to climate change. It applies to holdings with permanent pastures on clean land and/or under tree cover.

To support this, soil management practices are implemented through the preparation of a management and fertilisation plan designed to improve natural or established permanent pastures, namely through the appropriate application of pH amendments and nutrients.

This intervention also contributes to targets linked to the European Union’s “Farm to Fork” Strategy, particularly with regard to reducing nutrient losses.

How to apply
To apply, the operator must follow these steps:

1. Request the application form by email at agricert@agricert.pt;
2. Once the completed application form has been submitted, Agricert will issue the quotation;
3. Confirm acceptance of the quotation with the Certification Body;
4. Sign a contract between the Certification Body and the operator;
5. Schedule the control activity;
6. Undergo annual follow-up controls, sampling of products and production inputs, and random controls with or without prior notice;
7. Issuance/renewal of the certificate.

Regulation

• Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality 2050 (Council of Ministers Resolution no. 107/2019)
• Innovation Agenda for Agriculture 2020–2030 (Council of Ministers Resolution no. 86/2020)

For more information, please contact Agricert.