Evaluating the demand for carbon sequestration in olive grove soils as a strategy toward mitigating climate change

In this paper we present an estimate of the economic value of carbon sequestration in olive grove soils derived from the implementation of different agricultural management systems. Carbon sequestration is considered jointly with other environmental co-benefits, such as enhanced erosion prevention and increased biodiversity. The estimates have been obtained using choice experiments and show that there is a significant demand from society for these environmental services. From a policy perspective, an agri-environmental scheme that delivers the highest level of each environmental service would be valued by society at 121 Euros per hectare. If we focus on carbon sequestration, each ton of CO2 would be valued at 17 Euros. These results show that there is scope to include agricultural soil carbon sequestration in climate change mitigation strategies and to provide guidance for setting payments for agri-environmental schemes promoting soil management changes.

► The social demand for carbon sequestration in agricultural soils is estimated.
► Several environmental outputs associated with carbon sequestration are considered.
► The case study considered is an olive farming ecosystem in Andalusia (Spain).
► The subsidies that different soil management options would be granted are estimated.
► The foregoing estimates can be used to establish payment levels for agri-environmental schemes.