How one Dutch farmer takes on climate change

Apple farmer Joris Wisse owns an orchard on the island of Sint Philipsland in the Netherlands. In recent years, he has been using special techniques - called carbon farming - to store more carbon in the soil, for the benefit of the climate as well as the soil quality. 

He first learned about carbon farming by participating in the Interreg North Sea Carbon Farming project (2018-2022). By joining the project, he became a frontrunner within climate-friendly farming. In the video below, Joris explains his motivation for engaging in the project and why he is still using the climate-friendly methods. 

As a first mover, the Carbon Farming project inspired Europan policy such as the EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Regulation, enacted in December 2024. It also developed business models for incentivising carbon farmers. All this work has led to some durable results.  

Since the project closed, 40 Dutch farmers involved in a carbon farming incentive scheme have been able to sell almost 8,000 tons of captured CO₂ at €100 per ton. These deals are published at the Go2Positive website, set up by the Carbon Farming project. The project's lead partner, the Dutch farmers' association ZLTO, continues to promote carbon farming among Dutch farmers. 

Interact has produced the video as part of a video series showcasing Interreg projects and their impacts. It is visible at the newly revamped Interreg website, the gateway to all Interreg programmes. 

A big thanks to Interact, apple farmer Joris Wisse and the former project leader Marjon Krol for helping the video come to life! We are delighted with this new video showcasing the Carbon Farming project's impact through a human story. 

Learn more about the Carbon Farming project's legacy