The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded a $3,032,736 grant to SWVA Biochar LLC, located in Floyd County, Virginia. The funding will be used for purchasing a site for an additional facility in the county. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) commented on the development.
“Biochar is a unique type of charcoal that improves soil fertility, yielding immense dividends for farmers,” said Griffith. “This grant for more than $3 million helps SWVA Biochar continue producing local biochar and expand its operations in Floyd County.”
The grant comes from the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), which aims to enhance manufacturing and processing of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives within the United States. Biochar is a form of black carbon made from biomass sources like manure or agricultural waste, known for improving soil fertility.
