IBI Biochar Study Tour: Washington State

August 12–14, 2025 | Hosted by the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) and Qualterra

Discover the Power of Biochar for Agriculture

Washington State is a place of striking contrasts — from the dense forests of the east to the sun-drenched valleys of central Washington, where agriculture and innovation thrive side by side. The region around Spokane, Royal City, and Yakima is known for its vast orchards, vineyards, and row crop farms, with growing leadership in regenerative practices and climate-smart agriculture.

These areas are home to large-scale, family-owned farms, cutting-edge biochar production facilities, and collaborative research projects that blend local knowledge with global climate goals. From the fertile soils of the Yakima Valley to the pioneering work being done in places like Royal Bluff Orchards and The Soil Center, participants will experience how Washington’s natural richness and technological innovation come together to support sustainability, carbon removal, and circular economies.

During the Study Tour, attendees will visit active field trial sites, see biochar production systems in action, and meet with the people shaping the future of land use, and agriculture in the Pacific Northwest.

Why Biochar?

Biochar is a powerful tool for regenerative land management, capable of:

• Enhancing soil health by improving its physical, chemical, and biological properties.
• Sequestering carbon and helping mitigate climate change.
• Increasing crop resilience and boosting productivity.
• Improving water retention, soil structure, and nutrient cycling—especially critical in orchard and dryland systems.

At this event, you’ll see firsthand how biochar is being integrated into real-world projects across Washington State, from orchard trials to ag waste-based pyrolysis operations, all part of a growing effort to build a carbon-smart future.

Why Attend?

The IBI Biochar Study Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to:

• Visit active biochar production sites and agricultural field sites where biochar is already reshaping land use practices.
• Learn directly from experts, producers, and researchers leading innovation in the biochar field.
• Network with global and regional leaders across science, policy, and industry.
• Experience the natural beauty and agricultural richness of eastern Washington while gaining practical, field-based insights into biochar’s impact.

You’ll explore how biochar is helping address key environmental challenges—from climate change and soil degradation to circular resource use—while supporting agricultural productivity and local economies.

What's Included?

Your registration includes:

• Two and a half days of expert-led tours and presentations
• Site visits to biochar projects and technology providers in orchards, vineyards, and more
• Hands-on biochar demonstrations to see its impact in real time
• All meals All meals from lunch on August 12 through lunch on August 14
• Lodging Lodging for 2 nights (August 12 in Spokane, August 13 in Yakima)
• Transportation from Spokane to Yakima and back, Transport between lodging and Study Tour sites during program
• Presentations by experts in the field at each site

Limited spots available—secure your place now to be part of this transformative event.

Email [email protected] to request an invoice.

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that participants purchase travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may require cancellation.

Transfers: If you wish to transfer your registration to another person, please contact us at [email protected] at least 3 weeks before the tour date.

Accessibility Notice: Please note that due to the nature of the tour sites and transportation logistics, this Study Tour may not be fully accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs or require mobility assistance. We are committed to inclusivity and want all participants to feel informed, if you have accessibility needs or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us before registering.

For any questions or further assistance, please contact [email protected].

This policy applies to all participants/attendees of the Study Tour organized by the IBI and Qualterra, and helps the not-for-profit organization keep the funds invested in organizing this event.

Cancellation Deadlines and Refunds:

Cancellations before July 12, 2025:

Participants who cancel their registration on or before July 12, 2025 will receive a 75% refund of the total ticket price.

Cancellations on or after July 12, 2025:

No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after July 12, 2025.

Transfers to another participant are allowed up to August 1, 2025.

The International Biochar Initiative (IBI) reserves the right to cancel the Study Tour up to 30 days before the event. In the unlikely event that IBI must cancel, all registered participants will receive a full refund. Please note that IBI is not responsible for any travel-related costs incurred by participants.

We recommend that all participants purchase travel insurance to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.

Cancellation Process:

To cancel your participation, please follow these steps:

1. Submit a written cancellation request to [email protected]
2. Include your full name, contact details, and reason for cancellation.
3. You will receive a confirmation of your cancellation request within 7 days.

Info: Mike Werner (CEO, Qualterra)
David Drinkard (VP of Biomass Processing, Qualterra)
Dr. Sharol Marcec (Research Scientist, Qualterra)
Dr. Jim Amonette (Senior Research Geochemist, PNNL; Research Professor of Soil Chemistry, WSU)
Kirk Esmond (Circular Economy Development Director, WA-DOC)

Info: Keynote: WSDA Assistant Director Kelly McLain

Info: Modular gasification biochar production system
Energy recapture
Greenhouse-based biochar trials
Qualterra Biochar Production Site Visit – Cheney, WA. Learn more: https://www.qualterraag.com/partner-with-us/

Info: Large scale rotary kiln biochar production system. Worm composting farm, regenerative ag. The Soil Center (CMI Orchards) and Royal Bluff Orchards. Learn more: https://www.cmiorchards.com/the-soil-center-home

Info: Keynote: USDA-ARS Research Microbiologist Dr. Kristin Trippe

Info: Royal Bluff Orchards Biochar Trial Site Visit; Royal City, WA. Tree Fruit Biochar Trial
Display: Burn Boss portable air curtain burner biochar production system
Distillery tour & tasting

Info: Tree Fruit Biochar Trial
Display: Wilson Ring of Fire portable biochar kiln
Automating Ag with Robotics demonstration: Orchard Robotics

Info: Keynote with Dr. Sharol Marcec, Field Trial Scientist, Qualterra

Host or Publisher International Biochar Initiative