Treehouse California Almonds, in partnership with Sitos Group, is establishing a 25,000-square-foot 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 manufacturing facility in Delano, California. The $9 million project will be the first commercial-scale biochar operation directly connected to agriculture on the West Coast. Expected to be completed by the end of 2025, the facility will utilize almond shells from Treehouse’s operations, transforming agricultural waste into biochar through a slow pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More process.

This venture leverages New Markets Tax Credits and private investment from Sitos Group shareholders to bring biochar production to scale. The plant will process 6,000 pounds of almond shells per hour, using three pyrolysis units, a drying system, and Organic Rankine Cycle generators to convert heat energy into clean electricity for the local grid.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More, plays a critical role in carbon sequestration and soil health. Its stable carbon structure aids in reducing methane emissions, retaining soil moisture, and enhancing nutrient availability—factors that boost crop yield and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Biochar’s impact aligns with climate-smart agriculture goals and supports regenerative farming practices.

Mark Masten, President of Treehouse Almonds, describes the partnership as a “leading step forward” in sustainable agriculture. Mayo Ryan, CEO of Sitos Group, emphasizes that this project advances California’s agricultural sector toward a circular economy, supporting long-term environmental and economic benefits.

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• Treehouse Almonds to build $9 million biochar facility in Delano 
• Partnership will take almond hulls, transform into soil-nourishing ‘biochar’