Startup secures funding for rice methane reduction
A French startup named CarbonFarm has raised 7 million euros in a Series A funding round to develop its decarbonization programs for rice cultivation. The company, founded in 2022 by co-founders Vassily Carantino (CEO) and James Hastwell (CTO), combines satellite monitoring, emission modeling, and climate financing to measure and fund methane reduction in rice paddies.Rice cultivation and methane emissions
Rice cultivation is a significant source of methane, a greenhouse gas with a warming potential about 80 times higher than CO₂ over twenty years. Methane emissions from rice paddies are influenced by water management, with continuous flooding promoting methane-producing microorganisms.Water-saving methods reduce emissions
Introducing controlled drying periods can reduce these emissions. A method known as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) has shown potential for reducing methane by 30 to 70% while maintaining yields, according to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). A scientific synthesis published in 2026 found an average methane reduction of 50% with a slight yield decrease of 3% across various water-saving technologies.CarbonFarm's monitoring system
CarbonFarm's system integrates AI analysis of satellite images, field data collection, and modeling of greenhouse gases to monitor practices at the plot level and quantify their climate consequences. This approach aligns with the MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) framework.Collaborations and target markets
The company collaborates with Regrow Ag, combining CarbonFarm's remote sensing with the biogeochemical model DNDC to document scattered plots and reduce reliance on manual declarations. CarbonFarm targets agri-food companies seeking to reduce emissions from their supply chains and carbon credit buyers.Global operations and partnerships
The startup operates in 19 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas and cites relationships with companies such as Mars Food, Diageo, Ebro, Tilda, BASF Agricultural Solutions, Livelihoods Funds, and Google, as well as development organizations. The Series A funding, led by Colam Impact, includes participation from Proparco, Suma Capital, elea, Working Capital Fund, Albo, and Bpifrance.Funding use and future plans
This round follows a 2.5 million euro seed funding announced in October 2023. The funds will be used to strengthen technology, deepen presence in Asia, Africa, and Europe, and accelerate expansion in Latin America.
