Announcing the Hudson Valley Biochar Pioneer Prize! Now Accepting Applications.

The 4 Corners Carbon Coalition and local partners are thrilled to announce Hudson Valley Biochar Pioneers, a new grant program to support biochar adoption by local farmers throughout New York State’s Hudson Valley region. Biochar is a centuries-old, sustainable farming practice proven to both boost soil health, and durably sequester carbon from the air.

Our campaign aims to create lasting value for farmers, increase our understanding of biochar’s impact in the local context, and contribute to climate resilience.

Applications will be accepted until February 24th!

Campaign Summary

• The Hudson Valley Biochar Pioneers Prize is a new 4 Corners Carbon Coalition catalytic grant campaign for farmers located in New York State’s Hudson Valley Region (Counties: Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Columbia, Greene , Rensselaer, and Albany.)

• Grant prizes will cover the full implementation cost of applying locally-produced biochar on 1-acre of active farmland in Spring 2025.

• Up to 10 farms will be awarded grants.

• Applications accepted until February 24, 2025; awards will be announced on March 10, 2025.

• The campaign is a collaborative initiative of 4 Corners, Sustainable Hudson Valley, Cornell Cooperative Extension, NY Carbon and Terraset, with generous financial support provided by Giving Green.

About Biochar

Biochar is a charcoal-like substance produced from sustainably sourced organic materials through pyrolysis, a process involving thermal decomposition in the absence of oxygen. When applied to soil, biochar offers numerous benefits, including enhanced soil fertility, increased water and nutrient retention, improved pH balance, and greater microbial activity. These improvements can lead to higher crop yields and better plant health. Additionally, biochar contributes to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon dioxide, as its stable carbon structure allows it to persist in soils for hundreds to thousands of years. In New York State's Hudson Valley region, incorporating biochar into agricultural practices presents a promising opportunity to boost soil health, enhance farm productivity, and support environmental sustainability.

For a deeper dive into biochar and its impact potential in the New York State context, check out our recent webinar “Biochar & Soil Health, An Introduction for Hudson Valley Farmers”, with Dr. Deborah Aller (New York Soil Health Initiative / Cornell Cooperative Extension).