FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
US Composting Council and US Biochar Initiative Sign Memorandum of Agreement
Portland, Oregon – August 8th 2024 – The US Biochar Initiative (USBI) and the US Composting Council (USCC) are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to establish a formal partnership. This collaboration aims to enhance soil health, water quality, and sustainability through the combined use of compost and biochar.
The partnership is designed to leverage the strengths of both organizations in achieving shared environmental goals.
Key Areas of Shared Interest
The USBI-USCC Partnership is built on the following shared goals:
- Improve plant health through compost and biochar use as soil amendments;
- Improve soil structure through compost and biochar use as soil amendments;
- Improve water quality and water conservation through biochar and compost use as soil amendments;
- Reduce soil erosion with biochar and compost use as soil amendments;
- Dispose of and use plant waste through the composting and biochar processes to reduce odor, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequester carbon, and create valuable materials;
- Promoting the value of biochar and composting to assist in the development of sustainable communities.
The programs to be initiated through this Partnership are based on a spirit of cooperation, reciprocity and of mutual benefit to both parties. USBI and USCC wish to seek out opportunities to cross-promote initiatives and campaigns that raise public awareness and inspire individuals and USBI and USCC agree to professional exchanges in various policy, education, and research opportunities.
"A partnership with USBI is a natural fit for the USCC as Compost and Biochar are excellent partner products to improve porosity, increase organic matter, and conserve water.," said Frank Franciosi, Executive Director of the USCC. "This partnership will bolster our mission of promoting composting as an integral component of soil health and organics recycling."
"This partnership with USCC creates significant biochar market development opportunity, with the potential for composters to integrate biochar into their operations, both by producing biochar as waste management tool and by using biochar to improve the composting process and the quality of the final product," said Myles Gray, USBI Program Director. "By combining our strengths, we hope to drive large-scale advancements in soil health and carbon sequestration, unlocking substantial growth potential for both industries while benefiting farmers and the environment."
About USBI:
Launched in 2009, US Biochar Initiative (USBI) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the sustainable production and use of biochar in North America through research, policy, technology, and practical implementation. USBI achieves this goal by focusing on education and outreach, technical assistance, development of markets and standards, and special initiatives. USBI implements these through programs and projects in collaboration with companies, governmental agencies, investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and other non-profits.
Contact: info@biochar-us.org
About USCC:
Established in 1990, The US Composting Council (USCC) is the only national organization in the United States dedicated to the development, expansion and promotion of the composting industry. The USCC achieves this mission by encouraging, supporting and performing compost related research, promoting best management practices, establishing standards, educating professionals and the public about the benefits of composting and compost utilization, enhancing compost product quality, and developing training materials for composters and markets for compost products. USCC members include compost producers, marketers, equipment manufacturers, product suppliers, academic institutions, public agencies, nonprofits groups and consulting/engineering firms.
