As COP30 concluded in Belém, Brazil, several developments emerged that are particularly significant for regenerative agriculture, soil health and carbon sequestration. Here are six key takeaways shaping how soil carbon strategies may evolve.
1. Launch of the RAIZ Accelerator for Restoring Degraded Farmland
One of the most tangible wins for soil carbon was the launch of RAIZ – Resilient Agriculture Investment for Net-Zero Land Degradation – backed by ten countries.
- RAIZ aims to restore degraded farmland at scale by mobilising blended public–private finance.
- It draws on Brazilian models such as Green Way and EcoInvest, which have restored millions of hectares of pasture.
- Restoring degraded land boosts both productivity and soil organic carbon.
- The accelerator will also support governments in mapping degraded landscapes to target investment.
Why it matters: Without targeted financing, regenerative practices remain fragmented. RAIZ could be the mechanism that brings soil restoration into the mainstream.
2. Over £7 Billion Equivalent Committed to Regenerative Landscapes
At COP30, more than US$9 billion was pledged under the Action Agenda on Regenerative Landscapes (AARL) by over 40 organisations.
- Funding will support conservation, restoration and regenerative agriculture globally.
- By 2030 the initiative aims to impact 210 million hectares and 12 million farmers across more than 110 countries.
- Brazil’s Landscape Accelerator is already active, restoring vast areas in the Amazon and Cerrado.
Why it matters: Soil-centred practices become an investable, scalable climate solution when finance commitments reach this scale.
3. The Belém Declaration on Fertilisers – Lower Emissions, Better Soil Stewardship
A Brazil–UK announcement at COP30 introduced the Belém Declaration on Fertilisers, focused on reducing emissions from fertiliser production and use.
- It includes establishing global standards for low-emissions fertilisers through a UNIDO–Hydrogen Council partnership.
- Digital tools – including AI – will be deployed to optimise nutrient application.
Why it matters: Improving fertiliser efficiency is not just a climate win – it supports soil biology, reduces pollution and can lead to healthier, carbon-rich soils.
4. Philanthropy Steps Up: Rockefeller Foundation’s £4.3 Million for Regenerative Agriculture & School Meals
The Rockefeller Foundation announced US$5.4 million to support regenerative agriculture linked to school-meal programmes.
- Funding will support 12 organisations working with family farmers and promoting soil health and biodiversity.
- The initiative links climate-friendly agriculture with nutrition, equity and community resilience.
Why it matters: This is a demonstration of how soil-health interventions can sit at the intersection of climate, wellbeing and food security.
5. AI and Digital Tools for Climate-Smart, Soil-Friendly Farming
Several technology-driven initiatives were announced:
- A new open-source agricultural AI model, created by Brazil, the UAE, CGIAR, Embrapa and the Gates Foundation. This model will deliver insights on weather forecasting, crop planning, risk preparedness and pest/disease management to empower farmers and build a more resilient food system.
- AIM for Scale, a real-time forecasting tool to help farmers – especially smallholders – make climate-resilient decisions.
Why it matters: Precision data and AI make it easier for farmers to adopt practices that build soil carbon – from optimised cover cropping to reduced tillage and improved nutrient management.
6. Strengthening Soil Restoration, Land Rights and Governance in the Amazon
The Amazon biome – central to global carbon storage – received several major commitments:
- Brazil pledged R$600 million for land-restoration and land-regularisation efforts in the Legal Amazon.
- The Caminhos Verdes (Green Paths) project will enhance territorial governance and restore degraded areas.
- Strong emphasis was placed on engaging civil society, Indigenous peoples and traditional communities.
Why it matters: Soil restoration in the Amazon is tightly linked to biodiversity, Indigenous rights and land justice. Improving governance systems strengthens climate outcomes and social outcomes simultaneously.
Final Thoughts
COP30 didn’t offer a single breakthrough moment for agriculture, but it did signal a meaningful shift towards delivery: real finance, real projects and real tools. For practitioners, policymakers and investors focused on regenerative agriculture and soil carbon, the announcements made in Brazil suggest momentum is building.
The real test will be whether these commitments translate into ongoing, practical support for farmers and land stewards – and whether soil continues to take its rightful place at the heart of climate and nature solutions.
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