Letter from the Director of Agricultural Markets

Happy Fall from USBI!

As the leaves turn and harvest winds down, we’re gearing up for something big: our first Train-the-Trainer sessions this December in California!

We’ve been busy organizing two full-day workshops designed specifically for agricultural professionals — one on December 8 at Sacramento State University in Sacramento, CA, and another on December 10 at the Kearney Agricultural Research
Station near Fresno, CA.

These sessions will provide a comprehensive introduction to biochar, including what it is, how it’s made, and California-specific insights like regional feedstocks and market opportunities. We’ll explore why biochar should be considered as an agricultural amendment, how it can be integrated with other regenerative practices, and practical strategies for sourcing, storing, and applying it. Participants will also learn how to navigate federal and state cost-sharing programs such as NRCS EQIP and California Healthy Soils, and we’ll address common obstacles and misconceptions.

Each event will include interactive roundtables and Q&A sessions to share experiences, discuss real-world challenges, clarify misunderstandings, and build shared understanding. Attendees will leave with actionable knowledge on how to obtain, ship, store, and pre-inoculate biochar; apply it using the “4R’s”, right source, right place, right rate, and right time; access funding opportunities; troubleshoot fieldlevel issues; and connect with peers across the region.

We’re excited to build momentum together; one workshop, one conversation, one field day at a time.

Stay tuned for registration details, and thanks for being part of this growing movement!

Tera Lewandowski, PhD.
Director of Agricultural Markets