CSI and IBI merge standards for biochar

Carbon Standards International (CSI), from Frick in the canton of Aargau, is a company specializing in standards and system solutions for climate-positive agriculture, forestry and industry. It has now entered into an agreement with the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) from Canandaigua in the US state of New York.

According to a statement, the two companies plan to merge their existing standards and certifications. The process is intended to bring greater safety, reliability and credibility to the biochar industry, both for the associated markets and for the biochar product itself. An expert group will be installed to develop common standards. Training courses will support users with the work.

“In the last years, biochar production has developed rapidly all over the world. In this partnership with IBI we want to offer modern standards and supporting services for the biochar industry, but also for all producers worldwide,” Ueli Steiner, CEO of Carbon Standard International, is quoted as saying.

“Merging IBI’s legacy standard with the World Biochar Certificate, and creating new education programs to support the companies seeking certification, creates new value for the entire biochar ecosystem, from producer to buyer,” added IBI Board Chair Lucia Brosegan. ce/eb