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The Science Based Targets initiative is revising its Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) Standard and wants feedback from the sector. This matters because FLAG covers Scope 3 emissions tied to land use – deforestation, agriculture, and supply chain impact – which most large organisations haven't yet tackled systematically. A revised standard could force material change in how companies measure and reduce emissions from commodities procurement, particularly in food, retail, and consumer goods.
The consultation is open now. SBTi's current FLAG framework already requires companies to set targets aligned with limiting warming to 1.5°C, but uptake has been patchy. Companies cite complexity: distinguishing between direct agricultural operations versus indirect supply chain exposure, ensuring data quality from smallholder farmers and land managers, and navigating overlapping certification schemes (FSC, RSPO, etc.) create friction.
What's being consulted on isn't yet public in detail. Likely areas: tighter definition of what counts as credible land-based carbon removal; alignment with emerging frameworks like the EU Deforestation Regulation; methodologies for companies with no direct land ownership but commodity-heavy supply chains; and whether removals can offset emissions or only support transition. The outcome will reshape how major food, fashion, and consumer goods companies structure their net-zero commitments. If SBTi tightens FLAG requirements without offering practical implementation pathways, adoption could stall further. If it weakens criteria to ease uptake, the standard loses credibility.
