In Peterborough County, Canada, Woodleigh Farms is pioneering a new approach to sustainable agriculture with a project that could reshape farming practices. As part of a first-of-its-kind initiative in Canada, the Lamothe family is producing biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More from waste wood.

The Catching Carbon project is central to the farm’s broader mission of regenerating soil health without expanding farmland. Over the last century, agricultural soils across North America have lost up to 50% of their organic matter. Biochar offers a potential solution by enhancing soil porosityPorosity of biochar is a key factor in its effectiveness as a soil amendment and its ability to retain water and nutrients. Biochar’s porosity is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature, and it plays a crucial role in microbial activity and overall soil health. Biochar More, water retention, and microbial life — all while reducing reliance on fertilizers and lowering emissions.

Woodleigh Farms operates on 500 acres, growing grain, hay, and vegetables, while also raising livestock and producing maple syrup. It is a member of Green Economy Peterborough, a local initiative supporting climate-conscious business practices.

The farm’s biochar facility reflects circular economy principles, repurposing unmarketable wood into a valuable soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More. With the support of academic and agricultural partners, the Lamothes are working to scale this model and share their findings.

By aligning ecological stewardship with economic practicality, Woodleigh Farms is demonstrating that small farms can be both profitable and sustainable — offering a tangible path forward for agriculture in the face of climate change.

Learn More: Woodleigh Farms in Peterborough County is capturing carbon in first-of-its-kind-in-Canada project