Terms of Reference: Enhancing integrity and leveraging relevance of Coffee Biochar Programme
As part of its broader efforts to support investment readiness in sustainable land-use solutions, IDH is commissioning a consultant to analyze the market positioning, integrity, and financial sustainability of the Coffee Biochar Program. This consultancy requires an expert in carbon, climate change, agricultural value chains, and sustainability standards, with proven experience in carbon markets and companies’ Scope 3 emission reduction strategies.
Background
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identifies biochar as one of the most effective carbon dioxide removal (CDR) methods applicable in agriculture for long-term carbon storage in soils (AR6, WGIII, SPM, section D1.6). It is recognized as an effective negative emission technology (NET) for carbon sequestration, capable of binding up to three times its weight in CO₂, making it a high-impact climate mitigation solution. Implementing biochar can enable the issuance of carbon credits which are classified as carbon removal credits. It can also become a key component of companies’ efforts to reduce their scope 3 emissions and enhance sustainability within their value chains. Recognizing this potential, IDH, through its Investment Development Hub ‘reVive,’ is supporting efforts to strengthen the market positioning, carbon integrity and long-term viability carbon removal initiatives in Colombia.
One such initiative is Coffee Biochar program (CBP) a carbon removal program developed and managed by Biodiversal. The program empowers small coffee producers in Colombia to produce biochar from the stump of renewed coffee trees, transforming biomass into a high-value climate solution. The initiative follows the Global Artisan C-Sink Standard, developed by Carbon Standards International (CSI) and conditionally endorsed by ICROA. This certification, designed specifically for smallholders in low- and middle-income countries, ensures that biochar production leads to measurable carbon sequestration. By adhering to these rigorous standards, smallholders can actively participate from the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), generating Carbon Dioxide Removal Credits (CDRCs) that provide new sources of income while enhancing soil health and long-term farm productivity.
Objectives of the Assignment
The objective of this assignment is to support IDH and Biodiversal in strengthening the market positioning, integrity, and financial sustainability of the Coffee Biochar program. The consultant will provide a comprehensive analysis of the voluntary carbon market for carbon removal credits, develop strategies to align the initiative with international integrity frameworks, and assess opportunities for integration with scope 3 emission reduction strategies of the global coffee value chain. This work will contribute to ensuring the long-term credibility, commercial viability, and scalability of the CBP while enhancing its appeal to potential buyers and partners.
The deliverables of this assignment will be:
- Carbon Dioxide Removal Credits (CDRC) Market Analysis
- The consultant will conduct an in-depth market study on the supply and demand of carbon removal credits in the voluntary market, including an analysis of volumes traded, spot and forward pricing mechanisms/trends, price volatility, and market appetite. The study will include a comparative analysis of artisan biochar credits versus other carbon removal credit types and an assessment of incentives for buyers to include artisanal biochar CDRs in their portfolios.
- The consultant will carry out a study on the current pricing and trends for carbon credits including a focus on pricing mechanisms for biochar-based carbon removal credits distinguishing between industrial and on farm generated credits.
Application Process
The procedure will be as follows:
- Publishing the tender and inviting services providers to submit a proposal based on this ToR.
- Evaluation of the proposals by the IDH Evaluation Committee. The Evaluation Committee will evaluate the proposals based on the selection criteria as published in this ToR.
- If deemed necessary, the service providers of the best proposals can be invited to do a pitch for the IDH Evaluation Committee. This ranking will be made according to the scoring on the selection criteria.
- Decision on selection of the service provider.
- Inception meeting with the selected service provider.
Deadline and additional information
Interested consultants must submit both technical and financial proposals in English no later than 28 March 2025, 12:00 PM (Colombian time) to salcedo@idhtrade.org and jimenez@idhtrade.org.
For more information, access the Terms of Reference and relevant Annexes below:
Annex 1 : Letter of Assignment
Annex 2 : IDH General Terms and Conditions
Annex 3: Budget template
Annex 4: Statement of Acceptance
Annex 5 : Detail Request Form