Letter from the Director of Agricultural Markets

Our first Growing with Biochar session, held this December in Sacramento and Parlier, California, was a resounding success! The energy and collaboration set a strong foundation for the journey ahead.

As I reflect on these sessions, a few themes stand out: Knowledge sharing matters. 

• Knowledge sharing matters. Listening to the diverse perspectives of speakers and participants deepened our understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing stakeholders. The importance of connection.
• The importance of connection. Networking proved invaluable, reminding us that progress happens not only in presentations but in conversations and relationships built along the way. We’l continue refining future events to maximize these opportunities. Biochar isn’t a one-size fits al solution
• Biochar isn’t a one-size fits al solution. The sessions highlighted how biochar adapts to different priorities—from waste reduction to energy generation to soil health—showcasing the diversity of this growing ecosystem. 

Looking ahead to 2026, USBI is excited to expand the reach of our Growing with Biochar program with three sessions across the country. We’l begin in Virginia this spring, fo lowed by two additional events in the fal and winter at locations being finalized. Our selection process focuses on regions with reliable feedstock and biochar availability, strong agricultural stakeholder interest, and soils we l-suited for biochar application. Importantly, each event wi l be tailored to the unique needs of its region. Whether the focus is on specific crops, livestock systems, or soil types, our goal is to ensure the program is as relevant and impactful as possible for local participants. By equipping local leaders with practical knowledge and fostering strong networks, we aim to ignite self-sustaining ecosystems where biochar can thrive as a cornerstone of soil health and regenerative agriculture.

Growing with Biochar is more than a training program—it’s a movement to embed biochar into the fabric of agricultural practice. With your continued engagement and support, we can accelerate adoption, strengthen supply chains, and deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits. 

To everyone who joined us in California: thank you. Your enthusiasm made this first session unforgettable. Let’s keep this movement growing—together.

Tera Lewandowski 
Director of Agricultural Markets