| Code | VM0042 |
|---|---|
| Name | Improved Agricultural Land Management |
| Current version | v2.2, active since 21 October 2025 (v2.1 also remains active) |
| CCP (ICVCM) | Version 2.2 only, approved by the ICVCM on 23 October 2025, with conditions on how soil organic carbon is measured (listed laboratory and sensing methods). Decision |
| Official page | Verra |
| Verified on | 12 October 2026 |
What it is
VM0042 credits emission reductions and removals from changes in farm management: reduced tillage, fertilizer, residue and water management, cover and cash crops, and grazing.
Versions 2.0 and earlier are not eligible for mitigation outcome labels. Verra said about 200 projects were listed under earlier versions when v2.2 was approved, and that they can move to v2.2 to seek CCP labels.
Version and status
- Active: v2.2 since 21 October 2025 and v2.1 since 11 September 2024. Corrections issued on 11 June 2026 apply to all v2.2 projects.
- A major revision (v3.0) was in public consultation from 11 February to 31 March 2026. As of 12 October 2026 no final v3.0 had been published.
- The draft v3.0 adds a blended baseline for flexible crop rotations, standardized soil sampling and lab analysis, a model error true-up and woody biomass accounting aligned with VM0047.
CCP status
Version 2.2 only, approved by the ICVCM on 23 October 2025, with conditions on how soil organic carbon is measured (listed laboratory and sensing methods). Source: ICVCM decision.
CORSIA status
VM0042 is named in the methodology exceptions of ICAO's April 2026 document for all three phases, so the size cap for REDD+ countries does not apply to it. The general conditions still apply, including host-country authorization and corresponding-adjustment coverage. Source: ICAO, CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units (April 2026).
Why it matters for Brazil
- VM0042 is the methodology most cited in Brazilian soil carbon projects reported by the trade press, including projects in the Matopiba region. These are secondary reports; we have not confirmed a registry-based count.
- For project counts by country and methodology, the Berkeley Voluntary Registry Offsets Database (CC BY 4.0) is the open reference we use.
FAQ
Is VM0042 CCP-approved?
Only version 2.2, approved by the ICVCM on 23 October 2025, with conditions on soil carbon measurement.
Is a new VM0042 version coming?
Verra consulted on a major revision (v3.0) from 11 February to 31 March 2026. No final version had been published by 12 October 2026.
Can VM0042 credits be used under CORSIA?
VM0042 is on ICAO's exception list (April 2026). Credits still need host-country authorization and corresponding-adjustment coverage.
Sources
- Verra, VM0042 v2.2 page
- Verra, ICVCM approval of VM0042
- ICVCM, VM0042 v2.2 decision
- Verra, VCS under CORSIA
- ICAO, CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units, April 2026
Editorial summary in our own words, checked on 12 October 2026. The binding text is the methodology document published by Verra; we do not reproduce Verra tables or text. This is not investment or legal advice. Spotted an error? See our Editorial Policy and Corrections log.