The contracts create clear and long-term conditions for implementing concrete measures in grain cultivation that reduce climate impact and benefit biodiversity. At the same time, the farmer is guaranteed compensation for his work and the additional costs that the transition entails.

Contracts per crop and year of harvest

Participation in Climate & Nature takes place through a cultivation contract per crop and harvest year, in which the farmer undertakes to cultivate according to the program's established criteria that cover the entire cultivation process – from inputs and cultivation methods to fuel use and measures in the agricultural landscape.

All measures must be carried out on the same farm and within the same contract. Thus, measures cannot be divided between several farms or combined afterwards, ensuring clarity, traceability and actual effect at farm level.  

 

 

Compensation – security for the farmer

Farmers who participate in Climate & Nature receive a compensation (premium) for the measures implemented under the programme. In Sweden, the compensation is based on the number of hectares cultivated under the programme, regardless of the size or quality of the harvest. This means that the farmer receives a stable compensation even in years with more challenging growing conditions.  

The premium is paid after completed and approved third-party audits, which ensures that the criteria have been complied with. If entire fields have not been able to be completed according to the requirements, for example due to extensive winter damage, these areas are removed from the compensation basis, while other approved areas can continue to be covered.

 

Follow-up and independent audit

Quality assurance and verification of the program is a central part of increasing credibility and increasing transparency. Every year, the contracted growers undergo an audit that is carried out by a certification body, in accordance with IP Växtodling's requirements. Either a farm audit takes place, where the auditor comes to the farm and checks criteria, or the farmer conducts a self-audit where relevant information and documentation must be sent to the certification body.

The audits contribute to:

• High credibility and transparency
• Ensuring climate and nature benefits
• Continuous development of criteria and working methods

 

 

A model for long-term transition

Contract farming within Climate & Nature is designed to be long-term, scalable and practically feasible in everyday life. Through clear contracts, compensation for measures and independent audits, common ground rules are created that make it possible to reduce the climate impact in agriculture step by step – in line with new research, technological development and market demands.