Advancing the understanding and adoption of biochar
American Biochar Institute (ABI) is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding the effective use of biochar as a sustainable material across agriculture, industry, and the built environment.
Biochar’s potential to improve soil health, advance product performance, and support corporate sustainability goals is well established, yet many businesses struggle to effectively incorporate it into their operations. As interest grows, professionals need reliable, evidence-based information to make informed decisions that meet their specific goals. ABI advances biochar adoption by translating complex and disparate research into practical resources by:
Our expert team provides science-based resources free from commercial bias, making technical findings accessible and actionable for practitioners and the built environment. Through evidence-based standards, education, and , we help accelerate responsible market development and ensure that biochar applications are grounded in sound science. Whether you’re exploring biochar for the first time or refining existing practices, ABI connects you with the information you need to move forward confidently.
Our mission
To deliver independent science-based information, technical assistance, and standards on biochar.
Our vision
We envision a world in which biochar is a sustainable material valued by agriculture, industry, and the built environment.
Focus
We are laser focused on growing the use and understanding of biochar.
Trust
We use evidence-based knowledge to advance the responsible adoption of biochar.
Efficacy
Our team’s deep domain expertise allows us to efficiently identify and leverage opportunities that advance biochar awareness, expertise, and knowledge while creating economic opportunities for the adoption of biochar.
Collaboration
As an industry convener, we facilitate collaboration and info-sharing across scientific, agricultural, environmental, and business stakeholders.
- Industry standards to ensure the safe and effective use of biochar across applications
- Advanced education and training content to keep professionals up-to-date on biochar
- Technical information around the science and application of biochar
- Workshops and webinars that advance biochar knowledge for learners at all levels
- Programming on research, applications, investment opportunities, and market developments
- Opportunities to engage with thought leaders and experts across agriculture, waste management, and the built environment
- Access to the latest research and technology updates driving biochar’s role across key end-user industries
- Expert guidance to support decisionmakers and practitioners in understanding and using biochar in their operations
- Personalized, science-based support for key projects and organizations
- Translation of scientific research into actionable information tailored for practitioners in agriculture, industry, and the built environment
- Partnerships with research organizations and industry to bridge the gap between science and real-world application
- On the ground demonstration projects to prove research findings in practice
- Biochar market research
We work across
the biochar value chain
Farmers and agricultural professionals
- Personalized, science-based technical assistance to efficiently incorporate biochar into agricultural operations
- Access to a comprehensive service provider directory
- Quality assurance and specifications for confident procurement
- Invitations to annual industry convening to connect with partners, providers, and learn about latest updates in biochar
Engineers and designers
- Personalized, science-based technical assistance to incorporate biochar into design
- Access to a comprehensive service provider directory
- Quality assurance and industry standards for confident procurement
Public agencies and nonprofits
- Access to free educational content and trainings that advance subject matter expertise
- Evidence-based research to inform regulation and policy platforms
- Quality assurance and industry standards for confident procurement
Corporate R&D staff
- Personalized, science-based technical assistance to incorporate biochar into operations
- Quality assurance and industry standards for confident procurement
- Support and demonstrate applied research
- Access to annual industry convening to connect with partners, and providers, and learn about latest updates in biochar
Forestry and feedstock suppliers
- Market intelligence on biochar end-use markets and feedstock requirements
- Connection to biochar producers
- Deep understanding of opportunities across the value chain
Researchers and academics
- Access to industry connections and partnerships to advance research applications
- Understanding of real-world implementation questions
Funders and investors
- Market assessment and risk reduction
- Independent analysis of opportunities
- Connection to fundable and effective initiatives
Policymakers
- Evidence-based research to inform regulation and policy
- Understanding of industry needs and constraints
- Evidence-based perspectives on market development needs
Biochar producers
- Industry standards to help harmonize regulations and buyer expectations
- Access to industry-wide convenings to meet end-users and build partnerships
- Understanding of individual market needs
The history of American Biochar Institute
The American Biochar Institute was founded in 2009 as the U.S. Biochar Initiative. The organization was created to accelerate biochar use and production across North America. Since its founding, ABI has delivered professional education and training, outreach and free technical assistance, and applied research partnerships to advance the ecological and economic benefits that the biochar industry offers.
In 2026, the organization changed its name to American Biochar Institute to better reflect, represent, and respond to a maturing biochar industry and its needs. Since 2009, ABI has hosted the North American Biochar Conference, an industry convening of industry leaders, researchers, producers, policymakers, and investors.
ABI thanks the USDA Forest Service, Wood Innovations Program for continued partnership for its activities and publications. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
ABI is supported in part by The United States Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Inc. The Endowment is a not-for-profit corporation that works collaboratively with partners in the public and private sectors to advance systemic, transformative, and sustainable change for the health and vitality of the nation’s working forests and forest-reliant communities.