SBTi issues call for input to inform revision of Forest, Land and Agriculture Standard

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is gathering high-quality, real-world feedback and evidence to inform the development of Version 2 of the Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) Standard. Companies in the FLAG sector have the opportunity to help shape the forthcoming Standard by contributing to the SBTi’s call for evidence, released today, or by taking part in virtual stakeholder meetings.

Businesses from underrepresented regions that are central to FLAG supply chains, like Latin America and south east Asia, are especially encouraged to respond. The expression of interest to take part in the meetings is open until Tuesday 8 September. The call for evidence is open until Thursday 8 October.

The activities are part of a structured engagement program with the FLAG sector to build a deep understanding of the diverse geographic, environmental and regulatory contexts, as well as the varying supply chain structures, commodity exposure and implementation challenges they experience.

The Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2, published in June 2026, introduced new concepts to the SBTi target setting framework including categorization of companies, differentiating by markets, size, and country, five-year review cycles for targets, a greater variety of options for target setting, and a hierarchy to guide how companies implement targets to achieve emissions reductions. With the revised guidance, the SBTi intends to assess how these approaches could be integrated into how FLAG companies set science-based targets, while clarifying alignment with the new Greenhouse Gas Protocol Land Sector Removals Standard.

Companies setting targets under the current FLAG Guidance (version 1.2) can already benefit from key innovations introduced through the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2, including the new absolute contraction approach and the best-efforts framework to the pursuing of targets.

FLAG companies face rising costs, regulatory uncertainty, and increasing expectations. The sector is the third highest emitter after energy and industry and it is particularly vulnerable to severe business risks from extreme weather events.

The development of Version 2 of the FLAG Standard is part of a managed process in line with its 2026-2030 strategy and Standard Operating Procedure for Development of SBTi Standards. There will be a robust, 12 month+ development process incorporating the SBTi’s implementation experience, feedback received from the call for evidence, public consultations, pilot testing, and input from expert working groups.

David Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer at the Science Based Targets initiative, said:

“The FLAG sector has a key role in addressing the climate crisis. There has been much corporate activity in this space, with innovation and learning. With this call for evidence, companies can share their experience and shape an updated FLAG approach that will support farming transformation in the next phase of corporate climate action.

“More than 400 companies already have FLAG targets and are managing transition risk, building long-term resilience, and meeting stakeholder and investor expectations. An updated FLAG approach that best reflects opportunities and challenges for corporate climate action will allow these companies and many more to progress on their journey. This will be good for business and make a vital contribution to achievement of international climate objectives.”

Companies that are due to renew their validated FLAG targets should review changes to the SBTi Mandatory Five-Year Review Guidance outlined in this blog.