Home Activities About Us About Biochar Resources Projects Contact Us
Bi-Weekly Biochar Review
Initiative News

Bi-Weekly Biochar Review

April 25, 2026  ·  admin
Home › Posts › Bi-Weekly Biochar Review

Bi-Weekly Biochar Review

April 25, 2026  ·  Sonoma Biochar Initiative

Bi-Weekly Biochar Review — April 25, 2026

A major institutional milestone marked April in the North American biochar industry: the U.S. Biochar Initiative officially rebranded as the American Biochar Institute (ABI) on March 24, reflecting the maturation of the sector and signaling a new phase focused on rigorous standards, technical guidance, and market coordination. ABI is now the primary hub for biochar knowledge in the U.S., with a new website at biochar.org and an ambitious roadmap including a Biochar Atlas knowledge hub and the ongoing ‘Growing with Biochar’ agricultural training program. The North American Biochar Conference in New Orleans (November 16–18) will now be co-hosted by ABI and the U.S. Biochar Coalition.

On the carbon markets front, the global biochar CDR market continued its record pace through April. Supply constraints are intensifying — with 62% of high-quality biochar capacity for 2025 already locked into contracts and prices rising 18% in 2024 alone. Graphyte signed a 60,000-ton long-term carbon removal agreement with JPMorganChase on April 9, adding to a growing list of major corporate buyers. Meanwhile, a sober new analysis in Nature Sustainability warns that biochar hype may be outpacing reality, noting that all certified biochar production worldwide amounts to just 350,000 tons per year — far short of climate goals — and cautioning against a potential boom-and-bust cycle.

SF Bay Area Update: The Sonoma Biochar Initiative’s ARTi pyrolysis facility at Napa Recycling in American Canyon remains temporarily paused while working through a permitting update with BAAQMD — we hope to be back up and running soon!

Articles & News

  • S. Biochar Initiative Officially Rebrands as American Biochar Institute (ABI) (EIN Presswire, March 24, 2026) The U.S. Biochar Initiative has rebranded as ABI, marking a new chapter for North America’s leading biochar nonprofit. ABI’s new mission focuses on technical guidance, rigorous standards, and market coordination. The organization also released the ANSI/ASABE/USBI S668 biochar testing standard and developed a new Stormwater Guidance Manual in partnership with the Center for Watershed Protection.
  • Graphyte Signs 60,000-Ton Carbon Removal Deal with JPMorganChase (Carbon Herald, April 9, 2026) Graphyte has secured a long-term agreement with JPMorganChase to supply 60,000 tons of durable carbon dioxide removal credits, continuing the trend of major financial institutions investing in biochar-based permanent carbon removal.
  • Biochar Could Help Clean Up PFAS ‘Forever Chemical’ Pollution (Innovation News Network, April 21, 2026) New research suggests biochar could be part of the solution for tackling PFAS in soil and water. PFAS contaminants attach to biochar’s surface through pore filling, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic attraction — and early research indicates biochar may even help break down these persistent compounds under light exposure.
  • Biochar Was a Billion-Ton Dream — The Reality Is More Complicated (Earth911, April 2026) A new analysis in Nature Sustainability cautions that biochar hype may be getting ahead of the facts. All certified biochar facilities worldwide produce about 350,000 tons per year — tiny relative to climate goals. Researchers warn of a potential boom-and-bust cycle.
  • Biochar Supply Crunch Intensifies as Demand Races Ahead of Capacity (Future Markets Inc., 2026) 62% of high-quality biochar capacity for 2025 is already locked into long-term contracts. Biochar prices rose 18% in 2024 alone, yet companies signing multi-year offtake agreements are achieving up to 31% cost savings versus spot market purchases.
  • Biochar Market Poised for Transformational Growth: $727M to $3.79B by 2032 (Data Bridge Market Research, April 2026) New analysis estimates the global biochar market at $900 million in 2025, growing to $3.79 billion by 2032 at a 23.2% CAGR, driven by sustainable soil enhancement, carbon sequestration, government incentives, and advances in pyrolysis technology.

Events & Conferences

Research & Studies

Pending Biochar-Related Legislation

  • Biochar Research Network Act of 2025 — H.R. 4764 / S. 2450 (119th Congress) The most significant standalone biochar legislation in Congress, introduced with bipartisan support. Would direct USDA to establish a national biochar research network of up to 20 research sites, authorized at $50 million per year through fiscal year 2030. A companion Senate version (S. 2450) was referred to committee in July 2025. Both bills remain in committee. The Biochar Research Network Act has also been incorporated as Section 7204 of the House Agriculture Committee’s 2026 Farm Bill draft.
  • Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 — H.R. 7567 (2026 Farm Bill) The House Agriculture Committee voted 34–17 on March 5 to advance its version of the 2026 Farm Bill, which includes the Biochar Research Network Act provisions and expanded conservation program funding relevant to biochar adoption. The current Farm Bill expires September 30, 2026; Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Boozman has committed to marking up a Senate version within weeks, though passage before the deadline remains uncertain.
  • California SB 88 — Air Resources: Carbon Emissions: Biomass (2025–26 California Session — Vetoed) Would have required CARB to assess life-cycle emissions of alternative biomass uses and vote by January 1, 2029 on whether to include a biochar carbon offset protocol in California’s compliance offset program. Vetoed by the Governor on March 2, 2026, with the veto sustained. Similar legislation is expected to be reintroduced.
  • California SB 643 — Carbon Dioxide Removal Purchase Program (2025–26 California Session — Vetoed) Would have established a state Carbon Dioxide Removal Purchase Program explicitly including biochar and bio-oil from agricultural and forest biomass as qualifying carbon removal products. Also vetoed March 2, 2026. Together, the twin vetoes of SB 88 and SB 643 represent a missed near-term opportunity for California to lead on biochar carbon market policy.

Generated by Biochar Bi-Weekly Agent · April 25, 2026 · SF Bay Area + U.S. Priority 

_______________________________

Bi-Weekly Biochar Review — April 5, 2026

The biochar carbon removal market closed Q1 2026 with record activity, as March saw a surge in biochar offtake agreements, credit issuance, and retirements according to new data from Carbon Pulse. A climate registry director announced at the North American Carbon World conference that an updated biochar protocol is expected to be released as early as May 2026, a development that could significantly strengthen market integrity and buyer confidence. Meanwhile, Robinson Lumber Company in Indiana has commissioned its first biochar production system under a new venture called Robinson Carbon, which will generate over 1,400 metric tons of permanent carbon storage credits annually.

On the agricultural front, Penn State researchers presented new findings at a March 9 Extension seminar examining biochar’s effect on water management across three Pennsylvania sites, while the University of Wisconsin Extension published a timely overview of biochar’s agricultural benefits, limits, and ongoing research. The 2026 Farm Bill continues to advance in Congress after the House Agriculture Committee voted 34-17 to move forward the Farm, Food and National Security Act, which includes provisions relevant to biochar and soil health funding.

SF Bay Area Update: The Sonoma Biochar Initiative’s ARTi pyrolysis facility at Napa Recycling in American Canyon has temporarily paused operations while working through a permitting update with BAAQMD — we hope to be back up and running soon!

Articles & News

  • Carbon Removal Market Volumes Surge in March — Biochar Deals Drive Record Offtakes(Carbon Pulse, April 2, 2026) The global CDR market closed Q1 2026 with a sharp uptick in activity, as March saw significant growth across offtake agreements, credit issuance, and retirements. Biochar deals were cited as the primary driver of the record quarter.
  • Robinson Lumber Commissions First Biochar Production System in Indiana (Miller Wood Trade Publications, April 2026) Robinson Lumber Company has launched Robinson Carbon at its New Albany, Indiana facility, producing biochar from wood residuals and generating over 1,400 metric tons of verified permanent carbon removal credits per year.
  • Biochar in Agriculture: Benefits, Limits, and Ongoing Research (University of Wisconsin Extension, March 31, 2026) A comprehensive UW Extension overview finds biochar improves soil water-holding capacity, carbon sequestration, and crop yields while reducing nitrate leaching. Research at Arlington Agricultural Research Station shows manure-derived biochar provides slow-release phosphorus to corn silage throughout the growing season.
  • Penn State Research Examines Biochar Production Safety (Lancaster Farming, March 23, 2026) Penn State researchers are examining how production conditions can affect biochar safety, presenting new findings on biochar’s effects on water management across three Pennsylvania sites at a March 9 Extension seminar. The goal is to make biochar production safer and more consistent.
  • Boeing Signs Agreement for 40,000 Metric Tons of Biochar Carbon Credits (Biomass Magazine, March 2026) Carbonfuture has announced an agreement with Boeing for at least 40,000 metric tons of durable carbon dioxide removal credits, sourced from a diversified portfolio of four biochar carbon removal projects.
  • Cook County Highway Department Hosts Public Biochar Kiln Demonstration (Boreal Community Media, March 19, 2026) The Cook County (Minnesota) Highway Department hosted a public Ring of Fire biochar kiln demonstration on April 2, operated by Great River Greening, showing community members how waste wood is converted into soil-enriching biochar through pyrolysis.

Events & Conferences

Research & Studies

  • Updated Biochar Protocol Expected from Climate Registry by May 2026 (Carbon Pulse, April 4, 2026) At the North American Carbon World 2026 conference, a climate registry director announced that an updated biochar carbon removal protocol is expected as early as May 2026, strengthening data consistency and buyer confidence across the North American voluntary carbon market.
  • CDR Spotlight: Biochar as the ‘Ready-Now’ Powerhouse of the Net-Zero Transition (Planet2050, February 2026) Microsoft secured a historic 1.24 million tonne biochar deal with Exomad Green in 2025 — the largest in history. The market now has 290 unique buyers, nearly five times more than the second most common CDR method. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory recognizes biochar among the four most cost-effective natural climate solutions.
  • 2026 Farm Bill Advances in Congress with Soil Health Provisions (poliscore.us) The House Agriculture Committee voted 34-17 on March 5 to advance the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026. The Biochar Research Network Act separately proposes $50M/year through 2030 for a 20-site national testing network across diverse U.S. soils and climates.

Generated by Biochar Bi-Weekly Agent · April 5, 2026 · SF Bay Area + U.S. Priority · English only

__________________________

Bi-Weekly Biochar Review — March 13, 2026

The global biochar market continues its impressive growth trajectory, with new analysis from Market Research Future valuing the market at USD 762.50 million in 2024 and projecting a surge to USD 3.64 billion by 2035 at a 15.3% CAGR. This growth is being driven by expanding voluntary carbon markets, increasing agricultural adoption, and strong government policy support across the U.S. A landmark 10-year study from Oregon State University published this month confirms that a single biochar application can increase soil organic carbon by up to 207% — with improvements persisting for a full decade.

On the policy front, the Biochar Research Network Act of 2025 continues to advance in Congress, proposing $50 million per year through 2030 for a 20-site national research network. Meanwhile, a new peer-reviewed study published in the Biochar journal clarifies that biochar optimized for carbon stability and biochar optimized for soil benefits require different production approaches — a distinction with major implications for carbon market buyers and project developers.

SF Bay Area Highlight: Don’t miss the upcoming free webinar on March 20 from Sonoma Ecology Center presenting CAL FIRE-funded emissions testing results from in-forest burn techniques at the Usal Redwood Forest in Mendocino County. Register Here.

Articles & News

  • Biochar Market Projected to Reach $3.64 Billion by 2035 (Market Research Future, March 2026)New analysis projects the global biochar market growing at 15.3% CAGR from $762.5 million in 2024 to $3.64 billion by 2035, driven by carbon credit markets, agricultural adoption, and government support. Google’s 2025 agreement to purchase 100,000 tonnes of biochar carbon credits is cited as a high-profile example of growing corporate demand.
  • Climate Science Digest: March 10, 2026 — Biochar Carbon Retention (muser.press) New research shows that treating Litchi orchard pruning waste with limewater before pyrolysis significantly enhances carbon retention, potentially sequestering 6,000 kg of carbon per hectare — equivalent to 22,000 kg of CO2 — offering orchard farmers a practical, low-cost climate solution.
  • Biochar Market Key Players Strategies Report 2026 (insightaceanalytic.com) Comprehensive market analysis values the global biochar market at $690.52 million in 2025, projected to reach $2.16 billion by 2035 at 12.2% CAGR. North America leads global market activity, with key U.S. players including Pacific Biochar Benefit Corporation, American BioChar Company, Biochar Now, and Phoenix Energy.
  • North American Biocarbon Conference Debuts at 2026 International Biomass Conference(biodieselmagazine.com) The new North American Biocarbon Conference, co-located with the International Biomass Conference & Expo in Nashville (March 31–April 2), will bring together biochar innovators, carbon-removal buyers, project developers, and equipment providers for dual-track programming and an expanded expo hall.

Events & Conferences

  • LOCAL: LOCAL: Emissions Testing Results Webinar — Flame-Cap Kilns & Conservation Burns (Sonoma Ecology Center) March 20, 2026 · 12:00–1:30 PM · FREE Zoom Webinar (registration required). Hosted by Sonoma Ecology Center and San Luis Obispo County APCD. Presents CAL FIRE-funded study results on emissions and carbon sequestration from in-forest burn techniques tested at Usal Redwood Forest, Mendocino County.
  • International Biomass Conference & Expo 2026 (biomassmagazine.com) March 31–April 2, 2026 · Nashville, Tennessee. 900+ attendees, 160 exhibitors, 65 speakers from 25+ countries. Features the debut of the North American Biocarbon Conference co-located within the event.
  • NanoDay 2026 — Biochar & Environment (biochartoday.com) April 8–10, 2026 · Florence, Italy. Explores biochar, environmental technology, and innovative research applications.
  • Biochar Summit 2026 (biochareurope.eu) June 10–11, 2026 · Vienna, Austria. Explores biochar’s journey from innovation to industrial integration, covering logistics, urban integration, project development, and financing.
  • 3rd International Conference on Biochar Research & 2026 IBI Biochar World Congress (biochar-international.org) August 7–10, 2026 · Zhengzhou, China. Unites leading researchers and industry professionals worldwide, with a special plenary celebrating the 20th anniversary of the International Biochar Initiative.
  • Biofuels & Biochar Conference 2026 (biofuels-energy.magnusconferences.com) September 17–19, 2026 · Rome, Italy. International conference on biochar applications across energy, agriculture, and sustainability sectors.
  • 2026 North American Biochar Conference (biocharconference.com) November 16–18, 2026 · New Orleans, Louisiana. 1,000+ attendees and 125+ expert speakers expected. Call for abstracts opening soon.

Research & Studies

  • Biochar Soil Benefits Persist After 10 Years — Oregon State University (Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, March 4, 2026) A landmark long-term study from Oregon State University found that a single 2013 biochar application increased soil organic carbon by 95–207% — with improvements still measurable a full decade later. Soil pH improved by up to 0.9 units, boosting nutrient retention for wheat and pea crops in dryland eastern Oregon.
  • Clarifying Biochar Carbon Stability vs. Soil Co-Benefits (Biochar Journal, March 2, 2026) An important new study clarifies a frequent conflation in biochar research and carbon markets: biochar optimized for long-term carbon storage requires different production approaches than biochar optimized for agronomic soil benefits. The authors argue clearer communication is vital for credible carbon markets and sound policy.
  • Biochar Amendments Mitigate Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 24–39% (Carbon Research, March 6, 2026) A meta-analysis of 78 published studies finds biochar amendment mitigates greenhouse gas emissions by 24–39% across various agricultural systems, while significantly increasing soil porosity, moisture, and total carbon. Soil enzyme activity and nitrogen cycling are identified as key mechanisms.
  • Biochar Research Network Act of 2025 (poliscore.us) The bill proposes directing USDA to spend up to $50 million per year from 2026–2030 to establish a 20-site National Biochar Research Network testing feedstocks, production methods, and application rates across diverse U.S. soils and climates.

Generated by Biochar Bi-Weekly Agent · March 13, 2026 · SF Bay Area + U.S. Priority · English only

__________________________________________________

Biochar Bi-Weekly Review: March 1, 2026

The biochar industry faces a pivotal question in 2026: will it finally “come of age”? The global biochar market is experiencing sustained expansion, with market size projected to reach USD 969.29 million in 2026, up from USD 859.04 million in 2025. In North America, the biochar market is valued at $388.38 million as of 2026 and is expected to reach $977.90 million by 2034, progressing with a CAGR of 12.24%.

California continues to lead U.S. biochar adoption through progressive environmental policies, with CarbonZero.Eco opening its first production facility in Colusa County after signing $7 million in deals with 300 California almond farms. The Biochar Research Network Act of 2025 proposes directing USDA to fund a 20-site National Biochar Research Network through 2030, signaling growing federal legislative interest in the sector.

*SF Bay Area Highlight: The East Bay Regional Park District continues its pioneering carbonizer project at Anthony Chabot Regional Park, using innovative biochar technology for wildfire mitigation. The resulting biochar is being applied at Ardenwood Farms in Fremont to enhance soil health and water retention. UC Berkeley researchers are also actively assessing California’s biochar market potential, citing the state’s abundant low-value biomass resources.

Articles & News

  • *LOCAL: East Bay Regional Park District Carbonizer Project (ebparks.org)
    The East Bay Regional Park District processes large amounts of biomass using a carbonizer that operates at about 1,300°F, breaking down organic matter into biochar. The resulting biochar is applied at Ardenwood Farms in Fremont to enhance soil health, improve water retention, and increase productivity.
  • Global Biochar Market Report 2026-2036 (globenewswire.com)
    In 2024, biochar accounted for 86% of all carbon dioxide removal (CDR) deliveries globally, establishing it as the most scalable and commercially viable permanent carbon removal technology available. Carbon credit market pricing has stabilized at approximately $150 per tCO2e.
  • Biochar Market Heats Up as 2025 Credits Nearly Sold Out (carbonherald.com)
    The industrial biochar market is tightening at unprecedented pace, with 89% of 2025 carbon removal credits already committed, according to carbon removal marketplace Supercritical, which monitors over 80% of global supply.
  • 10 New Biochar Companies to Watch in 2026 (startus-insights.com)
    U.S.-based startup CO2 Sync develops pyrolysis-based technology that converts forest waste into premium biochar and renewable electricity for carbon-negative energy production.
  • U.S. Biochar Market Strategic Analysis 2026 (inkwoodresearch.com)
    The United States biochar market is growing from $326.74 million in 2026 to $810.88 million by 2034 at 12.03% CAGR, with California pioneering biochar adoption through environmental policies.
  • *LOCAL: UC Davis Russell Ranch Biochar Field Trials (farmprogress.com)
    The Russell Ranch facility established long-term biochar experimental plots in a tomato-corn rotation, using biochar made with walnut feedstock applied at about 9,000 pounds per acre.

Events & Conferences

  • Biofuels & Biochar Conference 2026 (biofuels-energy.magnusconferences.com)
    September 19, 2026  Rome, Italy. International conference focusing on biochar applications across energy, agriculture, and sustainability sectors.

Research & Studies

  • Biochar Research Network Act of 2025 (poliscore.us)
    The bill directs USDA to spend up to $50 million per year from 2026 through 2030 to create a 20-site National Biochar Research Network testing different biochar feedstocks, production methods, and application rates across U.S. soils and climates.
  • Biochar at the Core of Nature-Based Carbon Management (scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
    This review synthesizes recent empirical evidence from 2016 to 2024, addressing a critical gap regarding long-term environmental–economic performance of biochar across underrepresented regions.
  • Biochar: Sustainable Solution for Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
    Studies demonstrate that biochar aids in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions that detrimentally affect crop productivity, posing a serious threat to global food security.
  • * LOCAL: UC Berkeley: Market Prospects for Biochar in California (researchgate.net)
    California could play an important role in emerging biochar markets due to the availability of low-value biomass resources and their potential use in agriculture, with researchers assessing the scale of production and potential markets for biochar in the state.

Generated by Biochar Bi-Weekly Agent March 1, 2026  SF Bay Area + U.S. Priority English only

Bi-Weekly Biochar Review: February 22, 2026

In 2024, biochar accounted for 86% of all CDR deliveries globally, establishing it as the most scalable and commercially viable permanent carbon removal technology available. However, new market data from Supercritical shows that biochar suppliers delivered 54% fewer tonnes of carbon removal than originally forecast in 2025, highlighting delivery challenges as the industry scales.

The week of February 23, 2026 marked a significant inflection point for the North American biochar sector as multiple market reports converged on optimistic growth projections. A comprehensive market report released on February 23 profiles 148 companies spanning producers, equipment manufacturers, technology developers, and carbon credit platforms. In November 2024, the USDA invested $120 million in six biochar initiatives across California, Arkansas, and South Dakota, while CarbonZero.Eco raised $3.5 million in seed funding and signed $7 million in deals with 300 California almond farms.

U.S. policy developments continue to shape the industry landscape. The US Biochar Initiative (USBI) published a new laboratory analysis standard for biochar in December 2025, marking a step-change for the North American market. Looking ahead, the industry is preparing for major convenings including the 2026 North American Biochar Conference in New Orleans (November 16–18) and the International Biomass Conference & Expo in Nashville (March 31-April 2).

Articles & News

Events & Conferences

Research & Studies

  • Biochar Raises Soil Health in Arid Lands (Frontiers in Soil Science)
    Published February 2026. Meta-analysis of 120+ studies shows biochar reduces COâ‚‚, CHâ‚„, and Nâ‚‚O emissions by -8%, -21%, and -33% respectively in arid and semiarid agroecosystems.
  • US Forest Service Biochar Research Program (USDA Forest Service)
    Ongoing research converting forest slash into biochar as a climate-friendly option. Evidence shows improved vegetation growth on degraded soils and meaningful carbon emissions reductions.
  • Oyster Shell-Functionalized Biochar Enhanced Compost Study (Carbon Research, February 2026)
    Research from Hainan University reveals a Ca-modified biochar that acts as a catalyst for composting, transforming pig manure and rice straw into stable, nutrient-rich humus.
  • Biochar from Neem Seeds for Thermal Energy Storage (Biochar Journal, February 2026)
    Agricultural waste from discarded neem seeds can be transformed into a biochar-based phase change material that captures, stores, and releases heat with high efficiency.
  • Analyzing Trends and Hotspots of Biochar Applications (Biochar Journal, September 2024)
    Bibliometric study of 13,357 records from Web of Science. The USA ranks second globally in publication output. Key themes include climate change mitigation and heavy metal immobilization.

Generated by Weekly Biochar Review Agent  Week of February 22, 2026 U.S. Priority · English only

← All Posts
← Webinar: Emissions & Sequestration Study…
More from SBI

More recent posts

Webinar: Emissions & Sequestration Study Results, Now Available Online.  Initiative News
April 5, 2026
Webinar: Emissions & Sequestration Study Results, Now Available Online. 
We are making our recent Webinar: Emissions & Sequestration Study Results, available online. If you were unable to attend the…
Read More
Biochar's Amazing and Other Songs About this Black Gold and Sonoma Valley Initiative News
March 22, 2026
Biochar's Amazing and Other Songs About this Black Gold and Sonoma Valley
Calling all Biochar, Music-Loving Nerds! I recently got the wild idea that maybe we could use music to help spread…
Read More
Conversation With AI on Biochar Initiative News
February 22, 2026
Conversation With AI on Biochar
Q & A with Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 4.6 on Biochar 2/22/26 and 3/7/26 By Raymond Baltar I recently read what…
Read More