# Getting an SBTi FLAG Target Validated: A Realistic MSME Timeline and Cost

Canonical: https://senseible.earth/climate-intelligence/msme-sbti-fln-near-term-target-validation

Published 2026-05-06.

The Science Based Targets initiative's Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) guidance sets how companies with land-intensive emissions set science-based targets. It is a credible target for MSMEs in agri, food, and forestry value chains.

## Who should consider FLAG

- Food processors with crop sourcing
- Cotton, jute, wood-based MSMEs
- Leather and dairy companies
- Pulp and paper

If your supply chain touches land, a FLAG target gives you a more accurate target than a standard SBTi target alone.

## What FLAG requires

| Component | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| FLAG inventory | Land-use change, removals, biogenic stocks |
| 1.5°C target | Absolute reduction in FLAG emissions in line with the FLAG pathway |
| FLAG sub-target | Commodity-specific pathways where available |
| Net-zero year | No later than 2050 |
| Removals | Limited use, must be additional |

## Realistic timeline

### Months 1–3

Baseline FLAG inventory. Includes land-use change for the past 20 years for sourced commodities. Use IPCC AFOLU defaults.

### Months 4–6

Set targets. Run scenario modelling against SBTi tool.

### Months 7–9

Submit commitment letter (free).

### Months 10–18

Develop full target submission (plus internal time).

### Months 19–24

Validation by SBTi (fee per SBTi's current schedule). Revisions are common.

## Cost summary for MSME

| Item | Cost |
| --- | --- |
| SBTi commitment | Free |
| SBTi validation fee | Per SBTi's current fee schedule |
| Internal team time | Significant, especially for the FLAG inventory |
| External consultant (optional) | Varies |
| Software | See [Senseible pricing](https://senseible.earth/pricing) |
| Total realistic | Mostly internal time; budget it before you commit |

## What it unlocks

- Eligibility for some ESG-linked working capital products
- Stronger standing with large food and consumer-goods buyers that have their own FLAG targets
- A stronger case for concessional climate finance
- Higher CDP score → buyer scorecard win

A validated SBTi FLAG target is a strong signal an Asian agri MSME can send to global buyers. The cost is real, so weigh it against what your buyers ask for.

## Related guides

- [How do we maintain historical carbon data when methodologies change?](https://senseible.earth/climate-intelligence/maintain-historical-carbon-data-methodology-changes)
- [What are the different types of carbon credits in voluntary markets?](https://senseible.earth/climate-intelligence/carbon-credit-types-voluntary-markets)
- [How do we select the right emission factors for our calculations?](https://senseible.earth/climate-intelligence/emission-factors-selection-guidance)