Growing with biochar: A training event for California agriculture

Crop advisers and agricultural professionals across California are invited to attend Growing with Biochar, a free, full-day training designed to help you confidently support farmers in adopting biochar across diverse cropping systems. You’ll explore crop-specific case studies, understand policy incentives, and build a community of practice to support biochar outreach and implementation. Whether you advise growers, manage land, shape sustainability programs, or develop agricultural policy, this event offers a practical, science-based one-stop-shop for professionals interested in biochar application in California and its role in regenerative agriculture. 

This training is ideal for those who are interested in biochar but unsure where to start. You’ll gain hands-on knowledge, proven tools, and peer connections to help integrate biochar into farming practices that improve soil health and climate resilience.

What you’ll learn

• What biochar is, how it’s made, and why it matters for soil health.
• How to select the right biochar and apply it using the 4Rs of sustainable nutrient management.
• Best practices for handling, storing, and applying biochar safely and effectively.
• How biochar fits into current regenerative practices.
• Real-world case studies from vineyards, almond orchards, dairies, and vegetable farms.
• How to access federal and state cost-share programs like NRCS Practice 336 and CDFA Healthy Soils.

Certified Crop Advisers can earn up to 5.5 CEUs, making this a valuable opportunity to expand your expertise while earning credit towards your certification.

Two separate full-day training sessions are being offered in December at different locations in California to provide an easy-to-access training option for professionals around the state. The first event will be held at Sacramento State University on December 8, and the second event will be held on December 10 in Parlier, CA at Kearney Agricultural Research & Extension Center.  Both events will be free for participants with lunch and snacks provided.

Registration information

More information about the events can be found here:

To attend the Sacramento event on December 8, RSVP here. 

To attend the Parlier event on December 10, RSVP here. 

For more information, email Tera Lewandowski.