Standard Biocarbon Champions Biochar’s Role in Climate Action at Shelburne Farms Roundtable
Shelburne, Vermont – On August 20, 2024, Tom Horton, co-founder of Standard Biocarbon (SBC), a leader in the production and supply of premium biochar, participated in the "Biochar’s Role in Climate Action - Beyond the Hype" Roundtable at Shelburne Farms. The Event brought together farmers, academics, and key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to explore biochar’s potential to drive sustainable agriculture, forestry, and climate resilience in the Northeast.
Hosted by Shelburne Farms in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Vermont Forest Parks and Recreation, and the Northeast Climate Hub, the roundtable was organized to build a multidisciplinary platform for advancing the nascent biochar industry in New England and New York State. SBC contributed to the discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing biochar producers and consumers, particularly in the context of achieving net-zero emissions and enhancing soil health.
During the event, SBC provided insights into the hurdles that biochar producers face, from market development to product standardization. Horton highlighted the need for greater collaboration across the value chain to drive the adoption of strict standards for biochar quality and commitment to transparency for biochar producers.
Key discussions at the roundtable included:
The current applications of biochar in dairy, composting and crop production and the potential to scale these solutions across the Northeast.
The critical role of biochar in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil quality, tieing up background contaminants in soils and compost and remediating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Strategies for bridging the gap between biochar research and practical implementation to maximize its soils and climate impact.
The challenges that the industry faces due to a lack of clarity on standards, variability in product quality, and a general lack of product awareness in key markets
In addition to discussing the past, present, and future status of the industry, the attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about Shelburne Farms’ practical application of biochar in their operations. Over the past four years, the farm has integrated biochar into its dairy manure management system, aiming to enhance odor control, increase efficiency in their composting system, in their market garden for soil enhancement, and their poultry bedded-pack to reduce odor and increase animal health. The farm received one of the first loads of biochar produced by Standard Biocarbon in May 2024 and had better than expected results in the management of their manure retention pond. The farm is interested in exploring how biochar can reduce methane production in their dairy operation and is conducting new application trials of biochar on the demonstration farm.
Andrea Kohler (Intern at Standard Biocarbon), Tony Will (Director of Marketing & New Product Development at Read Custom Soils, Sam Dixon (Dairy Manager at Shelburne Farms); August 2024
As the biochar industry continues to grow, events like the Shelburne Farms Roundtable are essential for forging partnerships and identifying actionable steps to advance the industry. SBC is excited to be at the forefront of these efforts, contributing to a shared vision for a resilient and climate-smart future.
Horton thinks fondly of his experience at the event stating, “The roundtable discussion provided me with a number of insights, particularly with regard to how researchers and government agencies define and talk about biochar with regard to grants, project financing, and climate impacts. Bringing together experts with diverse backgrounds to develop a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities to progress the industry to maximize climate, soils, and remediation applications for biochar.”
Looking ahead, Standard Biocarbon will continue to engage with industry partners, government bodies, and research institutions to promote the use of biochar in agriculture and beyond. A keen focus will be placed on relaying scientific discovery to the public and ensuring there’s a seamless transition of knowledge from the sectors. The company is also exploring new avenues for product development and market expansion, ensuring that biochar becomes a cornerstone of sustainable practices in the Northeast and beyond.
About Standard Biocarbon
Standard Biocarbon is a leading producer and supplier of premium biochar, dedicated to advancing sustainable practices in agriculture and forestry. Through innovation and collaboration, SBC aims to unlock the full potential of biochar as a solution for climate change mitigation and soil health improvement.
For more information, visit [www.standardbiocarbon.com](http://www.standardbiocarbon.com) or contact our co-founder Tom Horton [thorton@standardbiocarbon.com](mailto:thorton@standardbiocarbon.com).
Attendee List
NE Dairy Business Innovation Center
Market Garden, Shelburne Farms
Northern Tilth
New England Forestry Foundation
Synergy Bioproducts Corporation
USDA
Wolfe’s Neck
UVM Extension & USDA NE Climate Hub
Standard Biocarbon
NativeEnergy Inc
USDA NRCS Climate Hub
Green State Biochar
Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment
Marshall Woods Committee & Advisor, Marshall C. Webb Climate
Read Custom Soils
Vermont Forest Parks and Recreation
Meach Cove Farms and Argosy Foundation
