Biomass-based CDR made up 95%+ of high-durability carbon removal in 2025, yet no framework governed agricultural residue sourcing. Carbon Direct built this guide, in collaboration with Microsoft and Stripe, to give buyers concrete criteria to embed in contracts today.

Key takeaways:

• Agricultural residues aren't free inputs. Sourcing without safeguards puts soil health, livelihoods, and credit integrity at risk.

• Four principles address key risks: traceability, community and worker protection, soil health, and market integrity.

• Buyers who embed these criteria today will shape how biomass-based CDR scales and protect long-term supply access.