Join me at the Carbon Farming & Biochar Workshop!

Exciting news!  Legislators in the NYS Assembly recently introduced the ‘Carbon Farming Act’ (A3281) which seeks to reward farmers for practices that maximize carbon sequestration in New York.  The bill acknowledges that ‘soil & vegetation management can significantly enhance soil & carbon sequestration’ while at the same time improving soil health, crop yield and water quality. 

To help educate the public on what this really means and build support for the bill, I am helping to host a one day workshop on May 20th which will provide an overview of carbon farming methods, including a focus on biochar of course!  The workshop will review the proposed legislation and its potential impact on farmers and will include sessions led by students and faculty from Cornell University and Finger Lakes Biochar on carbon farming and biochar.  You will leave the event knowing how to make biochar, different kinds of equipment available to make it and a few ways to use it at home or on your farm.

I’ve rattled the cages of other biochar experts in the region and am happy to say that many of them will be on hand to provide demonstrations on how to make biochar and talk about using biochar in different ways.   Joining me will be folks from America Sequesters, Biomass Controls, Green Light Plants, Acorn Biochar, RIT’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability and more! 

Many thanks to our host, the Boathouse Beer Garden (6128 State Route 89, Romulus, NY 14541), a lovely spot off the West side of Cayuga Lake.  The good folks from the Ithaca chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby have been helping to get the policy folks to the event as well. The event will kick off at 10am and run until 4pm on Saturday May 20th.  Lunch and a local beverage (e.g. beer, wine or non-alcoholic) are included and a portion of the proceeds will be used to purchase organic produce from local farmers for the local Food Pantry.  Free biochar samples will be available to those interested in collaborating on small scale biochar trials.

If you’d like to join the fun, register now here or contact me if you would like to help sponsor or provide a demonstration at the event.

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