First Rice Methane Reduction Credits issued by Gold Standard

A major milestone for nature-based mitigation projects has been reached, with Gold Standard issuing 46,714 carbon credits from its Rice Alternative Wetting and Drying (AWD) Methodology the first-ever rice methane reduction credits certified under the Gold Standard for Global Goals (GS4GG) registry. 

The credits were generated through a project in Pakistan developed by NetZeroAg working exclusively with 2000 small holder farmers based in a region highly vulnerable to climate change and still recovering from recent catastrophic floods. 

 “This first issuance of rice methane reduction credits is a case study of what high-integrity climate action can look like. The project is rooted in scientific rigour, delivering verified reductions while working with the community to address their needs and build climate resilience. This sets an important precedent for credible mitigation efforts in the agriculture sector.” said Margaret Kim, CEO at Gold Standard.

This issuance reflects the real-world impact of Gold Standard’s Rice Methane Reduction methodology, designed to drive high-integrity climate action in rice cultivation.  Globally, around 2% of greenhouse gas emissions are produced by growing rice.  The grain is also the world’s most important staple food-crop, helping to feed over four billion people.

The project uses Alternative Wetting and Drying (AWD), which temporarily drains rice paddies to disrupt anaerobic conditions and by doing so reduces emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a much higher warming potential than CO2. In addition to the emission reductions, the project had verified contributions to eight UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,13).

“The AWD methodology has been a landmark for climate-smart agriculture. This project has delivered verifiable emissions reductions and will deliver real income to smallholder farmers in Pakistan.

Working alongside an incredible team of more than 2000 farmers has proven that this is a practical solution for agricultural mitigation that is scalable and globally applicable.” said Ali Tariq, CEO at NetZeroAg.

Beyond emissions mitigation, the project has established training and vocational skills courses focussed on expanding access for under 18s and women. The project also established mobile health units for women and children. 

Further issuances are expected to total 57,188 credits annually across 2024 and 2025 vintages, and the project has expanded to include 3,000 farmers. Together, these achievements signal the growing potential of rice methane mitigation to deliver high integrity climate action that advance global net zero goals while generating real benefits for people and nature.

Gold Standard partnered with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Business Partnerships Platform in 2023-25 to develop resources and tools to scale carbon finance for sustainable rice producers, including through its standard. If you are interested in reducing emissions from rice production, the Gold Standard Rice Sustainability Hub provides more information about how you can do so.