Stakeholder Frames of Carbon Farming in the German Agricultural Sector: Analysing Cooperative and Conflictual Dynamics

Abstract

Soil carbon sequestration is claimed to offer a potential solution to climate change and unsustainable agricultural practices by transferring CO2 from the atmosphere into the soil. This process, in recent years referred to as “carbon farming”, has the capacity to enhance resilience, improve soil health, increase productivity, and reduce the need for fertilisers and pesticides. Yet, its effectiveness in mitigating climate change remains a subject of debate. This study delves into the complex world of carbon farming and its adoption in the German agricultural sector, using frame theory to explore the diverse perspectives of stakeholders. While previous research has focused on barriers and business models, the role of shared stakeholder understanding in shaping the development and adoption of carbon farming practices has received limited attention. This research identifies three main frames that influence stakeholder positions. The technoeconomic frame centres on economic, innovative, and technical aspects, sparking a longstanding scientific debate and emphasising outcome-based financing schemes. The social and political acceptability frame gains prominence with the introduction of the European Commission’s proposal for a harmonised certification framework, highlighting social and governance considerations. It also addresses the widely debated concern of potential mitigation deterrence. The responsible development frame underscores environmental, equity, and justice aspects while steering private sector business models towards promoting ecosystem services over sequestered carbon. Implications are drawn from the prevalence of conflicting frames and unresolved issues in stakeholder dynamics. The ongoing yet nascent nature of the debate, coupled with the perception of carbon farming as a niche topic, results in limited stakeholder contention. However, this research emphasises the importance of shared understanding and collaboration between stakeholders in addressing the challenges and opportunities of carbon farming. This mixed methods study integrates stakeholder analysis, content analysis, and semi-structured interviews, offering valuable insights into the multifaceted landscape of carbon farming in the German agricultural sector. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand and pave the way for more informed and effective decision-making.