Overview
How this pathway works
Agroforestry is the deliberate integration of trees and shrubs into crop and livestock production systems. Unlike pure afforestation, agroforestry does not remove land from agricultural production - trees are planted within, alongside, or around existing farming systems, creating simultaneous benefits for carbon sequestration, biodiversity, soil health, microclimate regulation, and farm income diversification.
Under TNS v1.0 Annex B, agroforestry projects earn Teravent Nature Credits (TNCs) for verified, additional increases in tree biomass carbon and - where material - soil organic carbon relative to a documented baseline of the pre-project agricultural or pastoral system. The baseline must represent the most plausible management of the land absent the project, using minimum five years of documented land use history.
The defining characteristic of Annex B eligibility is the integrated land use design: trees must be functionally integrated into the agricultural system, not planted in separate blocks. Separate block plantings within a farm holding are assessed under ARR (TNS Annex A) rather than Annex B. Five methodology variants cover the full spectrum of agroforestry system types - from silvopasture integrating trees with livestock through homegardens and riparian buffers to commercial windbreak systems.
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Dual permanence class. Agroforestry credits carry Class I (Biological) permanence for soil organic carbon pools and Class II (Ecological) permanence for tree biomass pools. Where both pools are credited, the lower permanence class (Class I) applies to the full credit bundle unless pools are separately serialised and distinguished at issuance - which is permitted under TNS v1.0 Module 7. Buffer pool contributions range from 15–30% depending on the methodology and NPRR outcome.
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Integrated design requirement. Trees must be structurally integrated into the agricultural management system - planted within cropland strips, scattered through pasture, or planted in functional roles (shade, windbreak, fodder) that interact directly with the agricultural activity. Block-planted trees on separate farm parcels without integration into the cropping or grazing system do not qualify under Annex B and should be registered under ARR Annex A.
Governing Standard
TNS v1.0 - Annex B
This pathway is governed exclusively by the Teravent Nature-Based Carbon Standard (TNS v1.0). All additionality, quantification, MRV, safeguard, permanence, and credit issuance requirements are defined within TNS v1.0 and Annex B. No external standard or methodology framework is referenced.
TCR›
TNS v1.0›
Annex B - Agroforestry›
AGF-M01 through AGF-M05
M02
Three-test additionality - regulatory surplus, financial additionality, common practice survey of ≥50 comparable farms; <20% voluntary adoption threshold
M03
Tree biomass via species-specific allometrics + SOC at 0–30 cm; 10% default leakage deduction waivable with documented production displacement evidence
M04
Class I–II combined permanence · Buffer pool 15–30% · NPRR covers agricultural reversion, drought, pest, tenure, and market price risks
M05
Food Security Impact Assessment mandatory for all Annex B projects · FPIC required on community and indigenous lands · Grievance mechanism required
M06
20-year initial crediting period (renewable); baseline must document 5+ years of pre-project land use; productivity indicator monitored annually
M07
TNC serial: TCR–TNS–AGF–[Country]–[ProjectID]–[Vintage]–[Unit] · Dual-pool projects may issue separate TNC series per pool where independently verified
Teravent Nature Credit - Serial Number Format (TNS Annex B)
TCR
–
TNS
–
AGF
–
IN
–
00188
–
2025
–
000001
Methodologies Accepted
Five approved methodology variants
TNS v1.0 Annex B approves five agroforestry methodology types, each covering a distinct system configuration with different tree-crop or tree-livestock integration designs. A project may be registered under multiple AGF codes where different system types occur within separate spatial strata of the project boundary, provided each stratum is independently quantified and monitored.
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Default leakage deduction. A 10% activity-shifting leakage deduction applies to all Annex B methodologies unless the project developer demonstrates - via a production displacement analysis accepted by the VVB - that no agricultural output has been displaced outside the project boundary. The TSA may waive the default deduction where displacement is independently confirmed as zero or de minimis. The waiver must be documented in the PDD and accepted at validation.
Silvopasture combines tree establishment with managed livestock grazing on the same land unit. Trees are planted at densities that maintain sufficient forage light penetration (typically 30–50% canopy cover at maturity), while providing shade, fodder, timber, or fruit as supplementary farm income. Carbon is sequestered in tree aboveground and belowground biomass and, secondarily, in improved soil organic carbon driven by reduced compaction and enhanced root inputs under tree canopy. Enteric methane from livestock must be quantified and deducted from gross carbon benefit where stocking rate exceeds the baseline level.
Permanence
Class II · Ecological (tree biomass)
Buffer Pool
20–30% (by NPRR)
Crediting Period
20 yr + renewal
Canopy Target
30–50% at maturity
Leakage Deduction
10% default; waivable
CH₄ Accounting
Required if stocking rate above baseline
Key Monitoring Indicators
- Tree DBH and height at permanent plots - every 3 years from year 3
- Canopy cover (%) via hemispherical photography or satellite - annual
- Stocking rate (livestock units/ha/season) - annual, compared against baseline
- Enteric methane estimate using Teravent Livestock Emission Table factors (if stocking rate elevated)
- SOC at 0–30 cm at permanent plots - every 5 years (expected slow accumulation under silvopasture)
- Forage productivity assessment - confirms no net food production displacement under the tree canopy
Alley cropping plants rows of trees or shrubs at regular intervals across cropland, with food or fibre crops grown in the alleys between tree rows. The tree component provides carbon sequestration, leaf litter inputs improving soil fertility, possible nitrogen fixation (leguminous species), and shelter for inter-row crops. The alley width must be sufficient to maintain viable crop yields - typically 4–20 metres depending on tree species and crop light requirements. Tree row pruning management must be documented; pruned biomass can be credited only as soil-incorporated mulch and only where incorporation is confirmed by VVB.
Permanence
Class II · Ecological (trees)
Buffer Pool
20–25% (by NPRR)
Alley Width
4–20 m - crop viability maintained
Pruning Carbon
Creditable only as soil-incorporated mulch
Leakage Deduction
10% default; waivable with crop yield data
N-Fixation Benefit
Credited as reduced synthetic N₂O if documented
Key Monitoring Indicators
- Tree row biomass at permanent plots - DBH, height, species composition - every 3 years
- Crop yield records from inter-row alleys vs. comparable non-project fields - annual
- Pruning records - date, volume, management fate (mulched, removed, composted)
- Soil organic carbon at 0–30 cm under tree rows vs. alley crop strips - every 5 years
- Fertiliser use records - N₂O benefit quantification where leguminous species documented
- Canopy cover trajectory via satellite - annual check for management compliance
Homegardens and multi-strata agroforestry systems combine multiple species of trees, shrubs, and crops in the same land unit across two or more vertical canopy layers - mimicking natural forest structure while providing food, timber, fuel, and medicine for farm households. These systems are particularly common in South and Southeast Asia, East Africa, and Central America. Carbon accounting must capture biomass across all tree and shrub species, stratified by canopy layer. Allometric equations must be validated for each dominant species where possible; IPCC Tier 2 defaults are accepted as a fallback for minor species comprising less than 5% of stand biomass.
Permanence
Class II · Ecological
Buffer Pool
15–25% (by NPRR)
Canopy Layers
Minimum 2 stratified layers required
Species Coverage
Dominant species (≥5% biomass) require validated allometrics
Minimum Plot Size
0.1 ha per farm household
Leakage Deduction
5% default (typically food-diversifying, not displacing)
Key Monitoring Indicators
- Species inventory at each farm monitoring plot - full census of all stems ≥5 cm DBH by species
- Canopy layer structure classification (emergent, upper, mid, shrub) - every 3 years
- Biomass per layer using species-specific allometrics or IPCC defaults for minor species
- SOC at 0–30 cm - every 5 years (multi-strata systems typically generate strong SOC benefit)
- Farm household food diversity and income indicators for Livelihoods+ and Food Security+ label qualification
- Mortality and replacement records - smallholder systems require tracking of harvested or dead trees
Riparian buffer strips plant native or mixed tree and shrub species along stream banks, river margins, and drainage channels running through agricultural land. Buffers provide carbon sequestration in biomass while simultaneously reducing sediment and nutrient runoff into waterways, stabilising stream banks, and creating wildlife corridors across agricultural landscapes. Buffer width must be sufficient to achieve riparian function - minimum 5 metres from bank edge, with widths of 15–30 metres recommended for significant nutrient and sediment interception. Tree species selection must prioritise natives adapted to riparian conditions.
Permanence
Class II · Ecological
Buffer Pool
15–20% (by NPRR)
Minimum Width
5 m from bank edge; 15–30 m recommended
Species Selection
Native riparian species preferred; exotics require TSA approval
Leakage Deduction
5% default (marginal riparian land - low food displacement)
Water Quality
Monitoring required for Water+ label qualification
Key Monitoring Indicators
- Tree and shrub biomass at permanent riparian plots - DBH and height every 3 years
- Canopy width and continuity along watercourse - satellite or drone imagery annual
- Riparian zone integrity - livestock exclusion fencing confirmed at VVB site inspection
- SOC at 0–30 cm in riparian soil - every 5 years (riparian soils can accumulate significant SOC)
- Streambank stability and erosion indicators - where Water+ label sought
- Stream water turbidity and nutrient load (nitrate, phosphate) - where Water+ co-benefit label sought; annual sampling during high-flow season
Windbreaks and shelterbelts plant rows of trees perpendicular to prevailing wind direction to reduce wind erosion, protect crops and livestock, and regulate farm microclimate. They are among the most widespread agroforestry practices globally and are particularly important in dryland and semi-arid agricultural systems where wind erosion is a primary driver of soil degradation. Carbon is sequestered in tree biomass; a secondary benefit from reduced soil wind-erosion may be credited as avoided SOC loss where pre- and post-project wind erosion modelling is accepted by the VVB. The tree rows may comprise 2–5 species of appropriate height and density for wind protection function at the project's specific wind exposure.
Permanence
Class II · Ecological
Buffer Pool
15–20% (by NPRR)
Row Configuration
2–5 species; perpendicular to prevailing wind
Wind Erosion Benefit
Creditable where modelled and VVB-approved
Leakage Deduction
5% default (linear systems - minimal crop displacement)
Minimum Length
100 m continuous row for crediting eligibility
Key Monitoring Indicators
- Tree row biomass - DBH and height at permanent plots along windbreak rows - every 3 years
- Row continuity (% gaps) via satellite or drone imagery - annual
- Species composition and health - VVB site inspection every 5 years
- Wind erosion proxy (soil surface condition, dust event records, crop yield in sheltered vs. exposed fields) where secondary wind erosion SOC benefit is claimed
- Mortality and gap fill records - gaps greater than 10 m must be replanted within 2 years under TNS Module 4
Carbon Pool Accounting
Which pools must be counted
Agroforestry is notable for stacking multiple carbon pools within the same land unit. TNS v1.0 Module 3 requires all material pools to be assessed. The tree biomass pools are primary; soil carbon is secondary but important for multi-strata and silvopasture systems. Non-CO₂ GHGs must be deducted where livestock or nitrogen inputs are elevated above baseline.
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Tree Biomass
Above-ground and below-ground tree biomass. Primary carbon pool for all five AGF methodologies. Estimated via allometric equations per species.
Required - all methodologies
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Soil Organic Carbon
SOC at 0–30 cm. Required where material - particularly for AGF-M01 silvopasture and AGF-M03 multi-strata systems where SOC accumulation rates are significant.
Required where material (≥10% projected increase)
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Dead Organic Matter
Litter and dead wood within the system. Assessed for AGF-M03 multi-strata systems. Generally excluded in open silvopasture and windbreak systems where litter rapidly decomposes or is consumed.
Where material - AGF-M03 primarily
Required - Primary
Aboveground Biomass (AGB)
All living tree and shrub stems, branches, bark, and leaves above 2 cm DBH within the project boundary. Allometric equations required per dominant species; IPCC Tier 2 defaults accepted for minor species (<5% of stand biomass). Measured at permanent plots - minimum 0.05 ha for smallholder systems.
Required
Belowground Biomass (BGB)
Live root systems estimated from AGB using IPCC root-to-shoot ratios by tree functional type and climate zone. Where deep-rooted species (Acacia, Prosopis, Leucaena) are predominant, an enhanced root fraction may be applied using published species-specific values.
Required where material
Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)
Mineral soil to 0–30 cm depth minimum; 0–60 cm recommended for deep-rooted systems. Required where the VVB-approved model projects ≥10% SOC increase over baseline. Measured by dry combustion CHNS analysis at permanent plots every 5 years. Bulk density mandatory at each depth increment.
Where material - AGF-M03
Dead Organic Matter & Litter
Relevant primarily for multi-strata homegardens (AGF-M03) where significant litter accumulation occurs under closed canopy. Assessed using litter collection plots and coarse woody debris line-intercept transects. Excluded from silvopasture (AGF-M01) where litter is consumed or rapidly decomposes.
Deduct where above baseline
Enteric CH₄ (AGF-M01)
Methane from livestock in silvopasture systems (AGF-M01) must be quantified and deducted where the stocking rate exceeds the pre-project baseline. Teravent Livestock Emission Table factors applied per livestock category. Net zero or reduced stocking avoids any deduction.
Excluded
Harvested Wood Products (HWP)
HWP accounting is not required for Annex B agroforestry projects unless the project involves commercial timber harvesting on a planned rotation basis. In that case, the project must assess whether re-registration under ARR-M05 (TNS Annex A) is more appropriate.
MRV Confidence
Measurement, reporting
& verification
Agroforestry MRV sits at medium-to-high confidence overall. Tree biomass estimation for common agroforestry species (Leucaena, Acacia, Melia, Eucalyptus, Gmelina) is well established. The principal uncertainties are species-level allometric availability for less-studied smallholder species and SOC attribution where multiple management changes occur simultaneously.
Remote Sensing Accuracy (canopy detection)High
Tree Biomass Field InventoryHigh
SOC Change DetectionMedium
Permanence ConfidenceMedium–High
Additionality ClarityHigh
Leakage Displacement AssessmentMedium
🔬 Measurement Standard - TNS Module 3 · Agroforestry
Tree biomass monitoring in agroforestry systems requires stratification by system type (silvopasture, alley, multi-strata) and species. Permanent circular monitoring plots of minimum 0.05 ha are established at a density of one plot per 10 ha of project area (or one per farm for smallholder systems with farm areas below 10 ha). All stems ≥2 cm DBH are measured in years 1–3; the threshold rises to ≥5 cm DBH from year 3 onwards. Remote sensing using Sentinel-2 NDVI composites validates canopy cover trajectories between physical verification events. Drone-based structure-from-motion surveys are accepted as a supplementary biomass validation tool at the VVB's discretion.
Additionality
Demonstrating additionality
TNS v1.0 Module 2 requires all agroforestry projects to satisfy three additionality tests. Agroforestry additionality is typically strong in degraded agricultural systems but must be carefully assessed in regions where government subsidy programmes, national agriculture extension services, or NGO programmes have driven significant voluntary tree-on-farm adoption.
1
Regulatory Surplus Test
Tree planting within the project must not be mandated by any national or regional agricultural law, environmental regulation, or condition attached to a government subsidy or loan agreement. Projects receiving payments under government agri-environment schemes, conservation incentive programmes, or watershed payment schemes for the same tree-planting activity must disclose these at registration. Where such payments exist, a regulatory surplus analysis must confirm that the government payment alone is insufficient to make the practice financially viable and that carbon revenue remains necessary.
2
Financial Additionality Test
Carbon revenue must be necessary for the integrated tree-on-farm system to be economically adopted. Project developers must submit a farm-level or group-level cost-benefit analysis demonstrating that upfront tree establishment costs (seedlings, fencing, labour, water, foregone income during canopy establishment) are not recovered within the standard farm investment horizon without carbon revenue. For smallholder aggregation projects, a representative sample of minimum 20 participating farms must be assessed individually; the results must support the group-level financial conclusion.
3
Common Practice Test
Voluntary adoption of the specific agroforestry system design within the project geography - without carbon finance, government subsidy, or equivalent external incentive - must be below 20% of comparable farm operations. A survey of minimum 50 comparable landholdings in the same district or agro-ecological zone is required. The survey must specifically assess each AGF methodology type claimed in the project: silvopasture adoption rates are assessed separately from alley cropping rates, as they can differ substantially within the same geography. Survey data must be provided to the VVB for independent review.
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Government subsidy disclosure: Agroforestry is a common target of government agricultural development programmes in India, East Africa, and Southeast Asia. Any government payment, subsidised input, or extension support received by participating farmers for the same tree-planting activity must be disclosed in the PDD. Double-claiming the same benefit under both government programmes and Teravent credits is prohibited under TNS v1.0 Module 8.
Leakage Assessment
Leakage types & deductions
Agroforestry's primary leakage risk is activity-shifting - the risk that agricultural production displaced by tree establishment within the project boundary re-appears as new land clearing or intensification elsewhere. A default 10% leakage deduction applies to all Annex B methodologies, waivable where production displacement is confirmed as zero. Market leakage is generally not applicable unless the project is large enough to affect regional commodity supply.
Activity-Shifting Leakage
Agricultural Production Displacement
Where trees reduce available cropland or pasture within the project boundary, displaced production may shift to adjacent land - including native vegetation clearing. A production displacement analysis comparing pre- and post-project food output for each participating farm must be conducted. Where total production is maintained (due to productivity improvements under the agroforestry system), the TSA may waive the 10% default deduction.
Default: 10% · Waivable with crop yield documentation · All methodologies
Market Leakage
Commodity Supply Effects
Applicable only where the aggregate reduction in agricultural output from all participating farms exceeds 5% of the regional commodity supply for the primary affected commodity. For most smallholder agroforestry projects this threshold is not reached and market leakage can be excluded. Large-scale commercial agroforestry projects must assess this and apply a market leakage deduction of 5–15% where the threshold is exceeded.
Applied only where project output reduction exceeds 5% of regional supply
Upstream Input Leakage
Nursery and Input Emissions
GHG emissions from seedling production, transport, fencing materials, and irrigation inputs must be assessed. For smallholder agroforestry at typical planting densities, these are de minimis and excluded. For large-scale commercial systems with nursery operations, this must be quantified and deducted where inputs exceed 2% of gross carbon benefit.
De minimis threshold: 2% · Excluded for most smallholder systems
Livestock Methane
Enteric CH₄ (AGF-M01 only)
In silvopasture systems, where improved forage quality or shade benefits lead to increased stocking rates above baseline, the additional enteric methane from additional livestock must be quantified and deducted from gross carbon benefit. Using Teravent Livestock Emission Table factors. Where stocking rates are at or below baseline, no deduction is required.
AGF-M01 only · Teravent Livestock Emission Table factors applied
Permanence & Non-Permanence Risk
Buffer pool & reversal risk
Agroforestry credits are classified as Class II Ecological permanence for tree biomass pools and Class I Biological permanence for SOC pools. The primary reversal risks are agricultural management reversion - farmers removing trees when commodity prices spike or when land is transferred - and drought or pest mortality in juvenile stands during the first five years of establishment.
| Methodology |
NPRR Rating |
Buffer Pool Rate |
Primary Reversal Risks |
| AGF-M01 Silvopasture |
Medium |
20–30% |
Reversion to open pasture; drought tree mortality; stocking pressure on juvenile trees; land sale |
| AGF-M02 Alley Cropping |
Medium |
20–25% |
Tree row removal if crop shading exceeds tolerable levels; land tenure change; market price reversal |
| AGF-M03 Homegardens & Multi-Strata |
Low–Medium |
15–20% |
Household food need driving selective harvest; generational land transfer; drought or cyclone mortality |
| AGF-M04 Riparian Buffer Strips |
Low |
15–20% |
Livestock incursion; flood scour; invasive species; isolated drought mortality in marginal riparian soils |
| AGF-M05 Windbreaks & Shelterbelts |
Low |
15–20% |
Gap formation exceeding 10 m; pest and disease attack on monoculture windbreak species; infrastructure expansion |
⚠️
Tree removal notification: Project proponents must notify the TSA within 30 days of any planned or unplanned removal of trees from the project area that affects more than 5% of the registered tree biomass carbon stock. Unplanned removal events - including mortality from drought, pest, or fire - trigger a reversal assessment. Buffer pool credits are cancelled proportionally to the verified carbon loss. Replanting within 24 months of a reversal event is mandatory under TNS Module 4 where the reversal is attributable to project management decisions rather than force majeure.
Eligibility Requirements
Key registration criteria
All of the following must be satisfied for registration under TNS Annex B. Methodology-specific requirements (silvopasture stocking limits, alley width specifications, riparian species lists) are detailed in the individual AGF-M code specifications within Annex B.
✓
Trees must be functionally integrated into an active agricultural or pastoral system - not planted in separate blocks on the same farm holding; separate block plantings must be registered under ARR Annex A
✓
The project area must have been under active cropland or pastoral use for minimum five years before project start - verified by land use records, satellite imagery, or agricultural census data accepted by the VVB
✓
A pre-project baseline assessment of tree cover, soil carbon, and agricultural productivity must be completed before any project tree planting commences; permanent monitoring plots must be established and GPS-registered
✓
Species-specific or IPCC Tier 2 allometric equations identified for all dominant species (≥5% of expected stand biomass) and documented in the PDD before validation
✓
Three-test additionality satisfied: regulatory surplus confirmed, farm-level financial analysis submitted, common practice survey of minimum 50 comparable farm operations in the same district conducted
✓
A Food Security Impact Assessment (FSIA) is mandatory for all Annex B projects - assessing pre- and post-project agricultural productivity per participating farm and confirming no net reduction in food output without compensating income improvement
✓
Production displacement analysis submitted with PDD - either confirming zero displacement (enabling default leakage waiver application) or quantifying displacement for the applicable leakage deduction rate
✓
FPIC obtained where the project involves community-managed land, customary land rights, or indigenous tenure - with community consent documented in a language and format accessible to community members
✓
Legal commitment to maintain integrated tree-on-farm management for minimum 20 years - documented through farmer contracts, land title covenants, or community agreements acceptable to the TSA
✓
A monitoring plan submitted with PDD specifying plot locations (GPS), sampling protocols, remote sensing schedule, agricultural productivity indicators, and VVB verification frequency (minimum every 5 years after year 5)
Co-Benefits & SDGs
Sustainable Development
Goal alignment
Agroforestry delivers among the most compelling smallholder co-benefit profiles of any Teravent pathway. Its unique strength is in combining carbon removal with direct, on-farm productivity and livelihood benefits for the participating farmers - making it one of the most community-relevant pathways for registration in India, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. Eight SDGs are systematically tracked.
SDG 2 · Zero Hunger
SDG 13 · Climate Action
SDG 15 · Life on Land
SDG 1 · No Poverty
SDG 6 · Clean Water
SDG 8 · Decent Work
SDG 3 · Good Health
SDG 10 · Reduced Inequalities
Food Security+
Projects demonstrating quantified crop or fodder yield improvements on participating farms, supported by annual farm output records verified by the VVB, are eligible for the Food Security+ label. Smallholder agroforestry systems frequently achieve 15–40% yield improvements in interrow crops due to microclimate regulation, improved soil moisture, and biological nitrogen fixation.
Livelihoods+
Projects with verified income improvements from tree products (fruit, fodder, timber, fuelwood, non-timber forest products) or employment creation in nursery and management operations - with documented income distribution and verified household income data - are eligible for the Livelihoods+ label.
Water+
Riparian buffer strip projects (AGF-M04) demonstrating improved downstream water quality, reduced turbidity, or improved stream bank stability are eligible for Water+. Annual water quality monitoring during high-flow season is required with data submitted at each verification event.
Biodiversity+
Multi-strata homegardens (AGF-M03) and riparian systems (AGF-M04) achieving net positive biodiversity outcomes - demonstrated through independently verified flora and indicator fauna surveys at validation and each 5-year verification - are eligible for the Biodiversity+ label.
Priority regions: India (Deccan Plateau, Indo-Gangetic Plain, Western Ghats), Sub-Saharan Africa (Sahel, East African Highlands, Congo Basin margins), and Southeast Asia (Mekong watershed, Indonesian smallholder systems) - where agroforestry is culturally embedded, smallholder farm density is highest, co-benefit value for communities is greatest, and degraded agricultural land with restoration potential is most abundant.
