The American 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 Institute (ABI) and the US Biochar Coalition (USBC) have announced a formal partnership to co-host the 2026 North American Biochar Conference in New Orleans. This collaboration represents a significant unification of the two primary industry bodies in the United States, transitioning from a period of organizational tension to a structured alliance. By consolidating their efforts, the organizations aim to provide a cohesive roadmap for the industry, integrating technical standards with federal policy advocacy to support the growing biochar sector across North America.

Prior to this alignment, the North American biochar industry faced a fragmented landscape characterized by a lack of trust and coordination between its leading advocacy groups. This division hindered the industry’s ability to present a unified front to federal agencies and institutional investors. Furthermore, the absence of standardized measurement and testing protocols made it difficult for stakeholders—ranging from farmers to carbon credit buyers—to verify the quality and specific utility of different biochar products. This lack of certainty served as a barrier to moving biochar from a niche scientific interest to a scalable, commercially viable climate solution.

To address these challenges, ABI and USBC have implemented a division of labor that leverages their respective strengths. ABI has taken the lead on technical standards and the development of end-use markets, facilitating the creation of the ANSI/ASABE/USBI S668 standard for biochar measurement. Additionally, the organizations are developing the Biochar Atlas, an online tool designed to classify biochar based on physical and chemical properties like carbon storage and fertilizer value. Simultaneously, USBC is leading policy initiatives, recently conducting meetings with the EPA, USDA, and the US Forest Service to shift federal focus from general awareness toward the implementation of grant and incentive programs.

The outcome of this partnership is a more robust, professionalized industry framework that prepares the North American market for large-scale adoption. The upcoming conference expects to host over 1,000 professionals, signaling a transition from theoretical validation to practical, economic implementation. By standardizing testing and aligning policy goals, the ABI and USBC have created the necessary infrastructure for biochar to be integrated into national agricultural and forestry programs. These efforts provide developers and investors with the regulatory and technical certainty required to scale biochar’s impact on carbon removal and soil health.