Lithuanian experts participated in an international conference on the application of Earth observation technologies for carbon accounting
The latest Earth observation technologies used for climate change monitoring and carbon dioxide removal accounting were discussed at a conference held in Copenhagen on October 7–10. Lithuania was represented at the event by Marius Balčius and Ernesta Ažukaitė, senior specialists from the National Forest Inventory Division of the State Forest Service (VMT), and Martynas Rimgaila, advisor to the Direct Support Control Division of the National Paying Agency.
The Second Conference on Earth Observation for Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification of Carbon Removals was attended by representatives of the European Commission, the European Environment Agency, and numerous governmental, non-governmental, and scientific institutions.
The event focused on how Earth observation technologies can contribute to improving monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems, land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF) sector accounting, and the implementation of European climate policy objectives.
"Events like this empower the exchange of experiences and strengthen the capacity of national institutions to use spatial data for climate policy implementation and carbon accounting," says Marius Balčius, Chief Specialist at the National Forest Inventory Division of the State Forest Service.
The conference shed light on the latest research and projects related to satellite data, laser scanning (LiDAR), and other Earth observation methods used in preparing greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories for the LULUCF sector.
From 2027, all EU Member States must monitor land use changes in the LULUCF sector using geographic data, as provided for in the adopted LULUCF Regulation No. 2018/841. The topics discussed at the conference reflected the direction of research and scientific work being carried out in Lithuania. The knowledge gained and experience shared with representatives of other countries allowed us to assess the relevance of our work and confirm that our efforts are heading in the right direction in improving LULUCF GHG inventory accounting.
Draft versions of the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) methodologies for carbon sequestration farming were also discussed.
During the event, the project GFarm, implemented in Lithuania and funded by the LIFE program, was presented. The project stand attracted the interest of participants, who were curious about the activities and expected results. Martynas Rimgaila, a representative of the National Paying Agency (NPA), one of the project partners, presented the agricultural part of the project, while representatives of the VMT presented aspects of the project related to forests and their potential in the field of carbon certification.
Experts from EU countries discussed how spatial data can help increase transparency, reliability, and comparability among countries implementing climate commitments.
Lithuania hosts the 24th Conference of the Baltic and Polish Paying Agencies
On 24–26 September 2025, the National Paying Agency (NPA), Lithuania, invited the paying agencies of the Baltic States and Poland to the conference “Innovations and Technologies – the Driving Force of the Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Rural Development 2023–2027”. Agricultural progress, good farming practices, and the use of artificial intelligence in the paying agency activities were the main topics discussed by the conference participants this year.
The conference was dedicated to discussing current issues in the agricultural sector, innovations and sharing experience in support administration.
NPA Director Fortunatas Dirginčius welcomed the conference participants and emphasized that today, in the field of agriculture, when implementing the Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Rural Development of Lithuania 2023–2027 (Strategic Plan), many tasks are being taken over by robots and automated systems: “Modern methods of plant fertilisation, automated processes, innovations that allow monitoring farm activities and performing their analysis are no longer the future. Farmers are already using such tools today.”
The presentations delivered during the conference included those by NPA’s Director presenting digital solutions in implementing the Strategic Plan, by the Control Department Director on ALNSIS 1.0 and 2.0 regarding control and administrative systems, followed by presentations of the Latvian paying agency representative about shared Earth Observation platforms, insights from private innovation providers (on image classification, Sentinel-2 image use). Representatives of paying agencies from Estonia and Poland held discussions on the digital and information technology solutions used in their activities and stressed their importance in administering support measures.
In addition, during the conference a cooperation agreement was signed with the Polish Paying Agency (ARMA). A particularly relevant topic was discussed too – the conclusion of the 2014–2020 Rural Development and Aghriculture programming period. Conference participants shared the challenges they are facing and looked for ways to overcome them.
Active and meaningful discussions with colleagues from the Latvian, Estonian, and Polish paying agencies were especially valuable in seeking joint solutions on how to improve the support administration process and ensure smooth and high-quality agency work.
The presentation delivered by the NPA Deputy Director Tomas Orlickas focused on the NPA’s international projects, the interplay of support measures under the Strategic Plan, and lessons learned through its implementation. The international projects were presented as elements integrated in an overall digital ecosystem that includes parcel delineation, crop classification, and remote sensing, supporting Lithuania’s CAP Strategic Plan and more biodiversity-sensitive agricultural policy. In his presentation the NPA Deputy Director also focused on the international projects as part of a wider area modeling and monitoring system being developed by the National Paying Agency, highlighting the EU LIFE Programme Green Farm for LIFE project among them:
EU LIFE programme Green Farm for LIFE / ESA GTIF / Carbon & GHG Monitoring (Area Monitoring & Carbon Credits System) – with its purpose to develop, pilot and validate accurate assessment and reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) balances in agriculture, forestry, and land use (AFOLU). The project activities include:
- Designing frameworks for a national carbon absorption certification system, developing technological infrastructure, carbon register / platform, and data exchange / governance.
- Engaging policymakers and stakeholders to adapt national GHG assessment, regulatory needs, incentive systems, and responsibilities.
The project tasks include creating methodologies, calculation tools, carbon maps, demonstrations, training, and e-learning. The project will develop a system for monitoring soil organic carbon storage, fostering a carbon absorption certification and monitoring framework, and implementing digital tools for farmers to improve efficiency and contribute to EU climate neutrality goals. Within the scope of the project, the NPA helps to develop a free carbon credit platform that will make it easier for farmers to earn additional income. By getting access to open-source data, farmers will be encouraged to participate and benefit from carbon credits.
Representatives of agencies from Estonia and Poland held discussions on the digital and information technology solutions used in their activities and stressed their importance in administering support measures.
In addition, during the conference a cooperation agreement was signed with the Polish Paying Agency (ARMA). A particularly relevant topic was discussed too – the conclusion of the 2014–2020 Rural Development and Aghriculture programming period. Conference participants shared the challenges they are facing and looked for ways to overcome them.
Active and meaningful discussions with colleagues from the Latvian, Estonian, and Polish paying agencies were especially valuable in seeking joint solutions on how to improve the support administration process and ensure smooth and high-quality agency work.
Interactive Field Demo and Networking Opportunity in Rozalimas Forest (Pakruojis) – 30 October
Forests are becoming smarter. With the help of digital technologies, we can now monitor forest health, assess sustainability, and make better management decisions faster and more accurately than ever before. To bring these innovations closer to practice, the GFarm project is organising an interactive field demonstration and networking event on 30 October in Rozalimas Forest, Pakruojis.
Co-organised by AgriFood Lithuania, Beta via, and Melda, the event will gather forestry professionals, researchers, and technology developers to explore how digital tools can support sustainable forest management and strengthen the green transition.
Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to see innovative digital solutions in action and discuss how technology can make forestry more data-driven, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
Event Programme
10:00 – 10:30 Registration and coffee
10:30 – 10:40 Welcome remarks (Meldas Lampickas, UAB MELDA)
10:40 – 11:00 Test before invest – live demonstration: data collection using thermal and hyperspectral cameras (Jonas Pakaušis, BetaVia)
11:00 – 11:20 How digital technologies are transforming forest infrastructure planning (Dr. Sonata Grabusovė, BetaVia)
11:20 – 11:40 Satellite-based forest sustainability in the GFarm initiative (Romualdas Lapickis, AgriFood Lithuania)
11:40 – 12:30 The ICAERUS digital tool for business model analysis and decision-making (Linas Didžiulevičius, BetaVia)
12:30 – 13:00 Questions, answers, and networking
The GFarm field demo in Rozalimas Forest is more than just a showcase of technology – it is an opportunity to connect with experts who share a vision of a more sustainable and innovative forestry sector. Participants will gain valuable insights into practical applications of digital tools, from real-time data capture to strategic planning and sustainability assessment.
Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eKCRDVaJ
ICE Conference: Lithuania’s AMS vision showcased by the NPA
On 9–11 September 2025, the IACS Community Exchange (ICE) annual conference, organised by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in collaboration with the EC DG AGRI and the French Paying Agency (ASP) took place in Reims, France. The event brought together representatives of the European Commission (EC), national authorities, research institutes, and industry to discuss the future of agricultural monitoring and data-driven policy in the EU.
The 3-day programme covered a broad range of topics dedicated to the implementation and evolution of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Key sessions focused on: IACS quality assessment and upcoming reporting obligations; data sharing for evidence-based policymaking and farm-level services; advances in LPIS updates, including the use of AI; integration of space and Earth Observation (EO) technologies into CAP monitoring; experiences of Member States (MS) and candidate countries with Area Monitoring System (AMS) implementation; the role of industry and innovative solutions in supporting Paying Agencies.
At the ICE conference Lithuania was represented by Tomas Orlickas, the Deputy Director of the National Paying Agency (NPA). He familiarised the conference participants with the status and vision of the AMS in Lithuania, with the possibilities of developing smart, data-driven public services and with the respective Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe and LIFE projects.
Alongside the technical sessions, the conference also offered opportunities for EU MS, EU candidate countries and stakeholders to exchange best practices on agricultural monitoring, climate adaptation, biodiversity, and carbon accounting.
At the conference the Deputy Director of the NPA Tomas Orlickas delivered a presentation titled “What’s Next After AMS? Strategy of Lithuania.” The presentation outlined Lithuania’s forward-looking vision of the AMS and its evolution into a more integrated, data-driven approach to agricultural governance.
Alongside the projects funded under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, including Horizon 2020 ENVISION, EIFFEL, AgriDataValue, Birdwatch, Mr. Orlickas in his presentation highlighted Lithuania’s pioneering work in carbon monitoring and certification under the LIFE programme “Green Farm for Life” initiative. This programme is developing a national framework for greenhouse gas (GHG) assessment and carbon removal certification in the agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) sectors. The NPA’s efforts focus on three main areas:
- Accurate GHG assessment and reporting at farm, regional, and national levels;
- Creation of a Carbon Register to ensure transparent monitoring, accounting, and data exchange;
- Development of standards and incentives for farmers to adopt climate-positive practices.
By integrating carbon monitoring into the broader Area Monitoring System, Lithuania aims to provide strong support to sustainable land management, prepare for future EU regulatory requirements, and actively contribute to Europe’s climate neutrality objectives.
Showcased at the ICE conference, this work demonstrates Lithuania’s vision of a Paying Agency that goes beyond compliance — one that enables farmers to engage in the climate change mitigation and climate neutrality solutions while ensuring fair income and environmental sustainability.
Through this forward-looking vision, presented at the international conference, the Lithuanian NPA proves its commitment to ensuring that agricultural monitoring supports not only compliance and efficiency, but also the long-term ecological sustainability of Europe’s farming landscapes.
European Forest Carbon Credits in 2025: A Turning Point for Climate and Forests
Arbonics’ newly released “European Forest Carbon Credits 2025 Report” paints a detailed picture of a rapidly maturing voluntary carbon market, where European forests are emerging as key players in climate action.
With growing urgency to meet climate goals, nature-based solutions - especially forest carbon projects - are gaining momentum. The report highlights a turning point: Europe’s forest carbon credit sector is poised to scale, but only if trust, transparency, and robust science are at its core.
Key insights shared in the report
- Nature-based Solutions (NbS) like forest projects now account for nearly 50% of all issued carbon credits globally, with a rising share in Europe.
- Demand is returning after a turbulent 2023: project issuance is increasing, buyers are becoming more discerning, and prices are stabilizing.
- The EU's role is pivotal: Although regulatory uncertainty has slowed progress, upcoming frameworks like the EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) could provide clarity and drive investment.
- Forest owners and land managers are central to success. The report calls for better incentives and streamlined processes to engage more of them in climate-positive forestry.
- High-quality, European-focused methodologies will be essential to ensuring credibility, scalability, and alignment with EU climate goals.
So what’s in it for us?
Carbon markets are transitioning from experimentation to execution. European forest carbon credits offer an opportunity to align rural development, biodiversity, and business with climate ambitions - if built on trust and data.
This is exactly the kind of challenge the GFarm for LIFE project is addressing. Bringing together key stakeholders from science, business, and the public sector, GFarm for LIFE is developing a systematic model for the accurate and reliable assessment of greenhouse gases in agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU). What sets our project apart is its real-time alignment with emerging EU regulations, enabling direct engagement in shaping national strategies - potentially setting an example for all of Europe.
Interested in learning more? Follow Gfarm for Life on social media and never miss any updates.
Full Arbonics’ “European Forest Carbon Credits 2025 Report” is available here: https://www.arbonics.com/european-forest-carbon-credits-report/2025
Carbon Pricing: A Path Toward Climate and Development Goals
Insights from the World Bank’s State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2025 and their relevance for the GFarm project
The World Bank Group recently issued its State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2025 report, covering the current landscape and emerging trends in direct carbon pricing instruments and carbon markets. Interest in carbon pricing has grown significantly, as it offers a powerful tool to mobilize finance and secure development outcomes, even during times of global uncertainty.
Pragmatic Solutions in Times of Tight Resources and High Ambitions
Several key terms are essential to understand when discussing carbon pricing. Carbon pricing aims to align the cost of carbon-intensive fuels and processes with their broader social costs. This includes: Emissions trading systems (ETS), where governments place a cap on GHG emissions generated by covered entities. Carbon taxes, where entities pay a fee for their emissions. Carbon crediting mechanisms, where tradable credits are generated through voluntary activities that reduce or avoid emissions.
Navigating a Slowing Global Economy
The global economy is currently facing headwinds amid escalating trade tensions and heightened policy uncertainty. Hopes for a rebound in 2025 have been undermined by ongoing volatility and shifts in global trade dynamics. According to the Global Economic Prospects report, global growth is projected to slow to 2.3% in 2025 - below the pre-pandemic 10-year average of 3.1%. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges, as more frequent and severe weather events increase the cost of disaster recovery, damage infrastructure, and disrupt supply chains.
Today, around 28% of global emissions are covered by a direct carbon price. Economies representing nearly two-thirds of global output have implemented either a carbon tax or an ETS. Countries like Brazil, India, and Türkiye are advancing domestic frameworks, while others - such as Zambia, Tanzania, Paraguay, and Vietnam - are preparing to engage in international carbon markets.The focus on carbon pricing is growing worldwide.
The Role of Carbon Credit Markets
Carbon credit markets serve several important functions. They help meet climate commitments, reduce the cost of new technologies, and finance nature-based solutions, such as forest restoration. The number of carbon pricing instruments has grown from fewer than 10 in 2005 to more than 80 today – another evidence of global progress.
The impact of a pricing instrument depends on several variables: price level, sectoral coverage, and access to cost-effective mitigation options. Beyond emissions reductions, carbon pricing improves air and water quality, with positive outcomes for public health. While not a silver bullet, carbon pricing is a key instrument in the broader climate and development policy toolbox, supporting the transition to net zero.
Sectoral Gaps in Coverage
Despite progress, certain sectors remain largely untouched by carbon pricing. Agriculture and waste, for example, produce significant emissions yet are often outside the scope of ETS or carbon taxes. Agriculture alone accounts for over 12% of global emissions. Some countries are testing new approaches - Denmark, for instance, is pioneering a carbon tax on livestock and the use of agricultural lime.
The Evolving Landscape of Carbon Credit Markets
Carbon credit markets trade in units - each representing 1 tCO₂e of reduced, avoided, or removed emissions - generated through voluntary mitigation activities. Demand for carbon credits has grown, particularly from compliance buyers. The volume of retirements (credits used for specific claims or obligations) serves as a key indicator of market demand.
Voluntary buyers are showing increasing interest in nature-based removals and clean cooking projects. Retirements of nature-based carbon removal credits rose nearly 25%, driven by higher supply and stronger buyer demand. Investor-led initiatives, such as the Symbiosis Coalition's 20-million-ton commitment to purchase nature-based removals, are bringing new capital to the sector.
Implications for GFarm and the Future of Agricultural Sustainability
As a project dedicated to transforming agriculture through data and innovation, GFarm stands to benefit from the growing relevance of carbon crediting in the agricultural sector. Although still underrepresented in carbon pricing systems, agriculture is gaining attention for its potential to generate high-integrity carbon credits through practices such as regenerative farming, improved soil management, and methane reduction.
GFarm can play a vital role in bridging the gap between small-scale farmers and carbon markets all while providing data infrastructure, digital tools, and monitoring frameworks that support measurable, reportable, and verifiable emissions reductions. As carbon markets evolve, initiatives like GFarm are well-positioned to drive sustainable agricultural practices that deliver both climate and economic resilience.
Follow the progress of GFarm on social media and do not miss important updates in the field of GHG emission reduction and carbon farming initiatives.
The full World Bank Group State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2025 report can be read here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/state-and-trends-of-carbon-pricing
GFarm Solutions presented at FOAL General Assembly
On 11 April, the XXVIII General Assembly of the Forest and Land Owners Association of Lithuania (FOAL) took place, where the GFarm for Life project partners had the opportunity to present their solutions to a wide range of stakeholders gathered at the Assembly.
The event was attended by members of the Seimas Committee on Environment Audrius Radvilavičius and Simonas Gentvilas, Deputy Minister of Environment Ramūnas Krugelis, Head of the Forest Policy Group of the Ministry of Environment Aurimas Saladžius, Director of the Chamber of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania Sigitas Dimaitis, as well as other ecosystem stakeholders.
GFarm project partners Tomas Karvauskas and Linas Didžiulevičius, representatives of Beta Via, introduced the developed system for GHG balance monitoring and carbon credit accounting. The discussion with forest owners raised valuable questions, and the conversations with people who work in the field on a daily basis gave rise to valuable ideas for the project. The insights discussed will shape the next steps in our modelling process. It is encouraging to see a real interest in the principles of carbon farming and a real need to find solutions that work not only in theory but also in practice.
Together with our partners in the Gfarm project, we are not only developing the technology, but we are also playing an active role in shaping the European forestry sector.
NPA showcases international projects at the "Animal Husbandry 2025" exhibition
The specialized exhibition "Animal Husbandry 2025," focused on advancements and innovations in the livestock sector, was organized by the Business and Social Partnership Centre of the Agricultural Academy at Vytautas Magnus University near Kaunas from September 25–27, 2025.
The event featured various breeds of dairy and meat cattle, horses, sheep, goats, poultry, and other farm animals, alongside cutting-edge equipment and modern technologies for husbandry farms. These included tools for fodder preparation, loader equipment, fodder dispensers, milking and manure handling devices, livestock and poultry feed additives, microbiological products, and a variety of services for livestock farms. Educational and practical sessions, as well as workshops, were organized to deepen participants’ and visitors’ understanding of innovations, advanced technologies, and sustainable solutions in the livestock sector.
At the exhibition, the NPA stand highlighted the implementation of international projects funded under various programs, including the EU LIFE programme-funded GFarm for LIFE project. This initiative aims to support national and EU climate change mitigation goals by driving systemic changes in Lithuania’s agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) sector. It focuses on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting carbon storage farming initiatives.
The GFarm for LIFE project is developing, testing, and implementing a common technological infrastructure and digital tools for monitoring GHG balances and soil organic carbon storage. The project brings together key stakeholders from science, business, public, and state sectors to create an ecosystem model for more accurate and reliable GHG assessments. It also seeks to design a framework for national carbon absorption certification and monitoring.
Visitors to the NPA stand showed interest in the GFarm for LIFE digital platform, which is being developed to facilitate the monitoring, reporting, and verification of carbon management, including a carbon register that will contribute to achieving environmental goals.
Additionally, many inquiries were made about smart agriculture and the adoption of new technologies designed to reduce farm operational costs and enhance environmental sustainability. Lithuanian farmers expressed a strong interest in modernizing their equipment and increasing the competitiveness of their farms. To achieve this, it is essential to understand the functionality of innovative technologies and select the most suitable solutions and tools. The acquisition of new technologies requires support mechanisms that can accelerate the modernization process.
International agricultural exhibition “Ką pasėsi…2024” in Kaunas
From March 21–23, 2024, the 28th international exhibition “Ką pasėsi…2024” brought together the agricultural community and those interested in agriculture at the Academy of Agriculture in Kaunas. The event provided an excellent opportunity for participants to showcase a variety of innovations introduced over the past year, network with colleagues, and observe the achievements of partners and competitors firsthand. Visitors could explore a wide range of products and services tailored to their needs. The educational program featured researchers and practitioners who shared their accumulated knowledge and expertise. As per tradition, the exhibition also included a crafts and seedlings fair.
At the exhibition, the NPA stand showcased its work, including the implementation of international projects funded under various programs, such as the EU LIFE programme-funded GFarm for LIFE project. This project aims to support national and EU climate change mitigation goals by fostering systemic changes in Lithuania’s agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) sector. It focuses on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and advancing carbon storage farming initiatives.
As part of GFarm for LIFE, common technological infrastructure and digital tools for monitoring GHG balances and soil organic carbon storage are being developed, tested, and implemented. The project unites key stakeholders from science, business, public, and state sectors to create an ecosystem model for more accurate and reliable GHG assessments. Additionally, it seeks to design a framework for national carbon absorption certification and monitoring.
Visitors to the NPA stand inquired about the GFarm for LIFE digital platform for monitoring, reporting, and verification of carbon management, including the development of a carbon register, which aims to contribute to environmental goals.
The NPA stand also received numerous questions about smart agriculture and the application of new technologies to reduce farm operational costs and enhance environmental sustainability. Lithuanian farmers expressed significant interest in modernizing their equipment and increasing the competitiveness of their farms. To achieve this, it is essential to understand how innovative technologies operate and select the appropriate solutions and tools. Farmers emphasized the need for support mechanisms to accelerate modernization through the acquisition of new technologies.
Participation in the EU CAP Paying Agencies’ Panta Rhei Conference (22–24 May 2024, Antwerp, Belgium)
The Panta Rhei Conference is a biannual event where representatives of EU CAP paying agencies share experiences, exchange best practices, and discuss emerging challenges related to computerization, digitalization, organizational issues, and the technical implementation of measures under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The conference is held twice a year, in spring and autumn.
During the Panta Rhei Conference in Antwerp, Belgium, from 22–24 May 2024, the importance of innovative tools was emphasized in the presentation “What’s Next After AMS?” delivered by an NPA representative. The NPA actively promotes digitalization and automation in agricultural practices, with a strategic focus on addressing the specific needs of rural areas.
The NPA presentation also highlighted the implementation of international projects funded under various programs, including the EU LIFE programme-funded GFarm for LIFE project. This initiative aims to support national and EU climate change mitigation goals by enabling systemic changes in Lithuania’s agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) sector. The project focuses on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fostering carbon storage farming initiatives.
As part of GFarm for LIFE, common technological infrastructure and digital tools for monitoring GHG balances and soil organic carbon storage are being developed, tested, and implemented. The project unites key stakeholders from science, business, public, and state sectors to create an ecosystem model for more accurate and reliable GHG assessment. Additionally, it seeks to design a framework for national carbon absorption certification and monitoring.
The adoption of innovative solutions presented at the conference aims to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of farmers' operations, reduce GHG emissions, and contribute to the environmental protection goals outlined in the EU Green Deal, EU Climate Action, and other strategic EU documents. The presentation received positive feedback from the audience, highlighting its relevance and practical implications.