September Farm Tour & Social with SWVA Biochar

The Roanoke Foodshed Network, the Virginia Association for Biological Farming, and Partners present our

September Farm Tour with SWVA Biochar

Monday, September 14, 3:00-6:00pm

SWVA Biochar is a leading producer of premium biochar in the Southwest Virginia region committed to & actively making a positive impact on the environment, playing a key role in the reversal of climate change. Tour the facility with general manager and farmer Jeff Wade to learn more about the innovations of biochar that are happening across agriculture and bioremediation.

Biochar is a highly adsorbent, specially-produced charcoal originally used as a soil amendment. Scientists theorize biochar was first used in the Amazon Basin thousands of years ago where extensive regions of dark, highly fertile soil known as terra preta were discovered, revealing high concentrations of biochar and organic matter.

Similar to charcoal, biochar is produced using the ancient practice of heating wood or other plant material (biomass) with little to no oxygen. However, unlike charcoal, which is often used for cooking, biochar is made under specific conditions with the intent to be applied to soil as a means to increase soil fertility and agricultural yields, and sequester carbon to reverse global warming.

Following the tour, participants will convene for a social and snacks at the Floyd EcoVillage. Feel free to bring a dish to share.

For more information, contact Becki DeRusseau at becki.derusseau@vabf.org. Detailed directions will be shared with registrants.