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Eastern WV Community and Technical College is proud to announce the launch of the Appalachian Biochar Conference.  This inaugural conference brings together world-renowned biochar experts to identify opportunities to increase awareness of biochar and increase its production in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia and Appalachia more broadly.

The conference will take place from 10am-3:30pm on the main campus of Eastern WV Community and Technical College in Moorefield, WV. There is no cost to attend the event and it is open to the public.  The event is funded by the USDA. For more information about the conference or to register visit www.easternwv.edu, email tina.metzer@easternwv.edu, or call 304-490-9308.

According to the International Biochar Initiative, biochar is the “practice of converting agricultural waste in a soil enhancer that can hold carbon, boost food security, and increase soil biodiversity.”

“Biochar represents a significant opportunity to increase the agricultural production of our farmlands and creates opportunities to enhance agricultural productivity of former coal mines,” said Dr. Chuck Terrell, President of Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College.  “This is a wonderful opportunity to help increase economic diversification within the region,” said Dr. Terrell.  “This conference is a game-changer for Appalachia, as it creates significant economic and entrepreneurial opportunities for the community.”

The conference includes internationally recognized speakers including:

-Dr. Isabel Lima, Dr. Lima is a research chemist with the United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, in the Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans,

-Tom Miles Chairman of the International Biochar Initiative and specializes in the development of energy conversion and materials handling systems for wood, crop residues, plastic and municipal waste, and food processing residues

-Professor Wayne Teel, James Madison University one of his specialties include Biochar and the use of charcoal as a soils amendment to improve soil fertility and sequester carbon.

-Erich J. Knight has been an ornamental gardener for 37 years, his interest in biochar begin over 10 years ago, His efforts have initiated DuPont to test the Mercury binding capabilities of biochar and Lead DuPont to provide the state of Virginia 50 million dollars to expand this remediation effort in the Shenandoah River of Virginia.

Topics for the conference include the importance of biochar (an overview), types of biochar, methods for its development, research opportunities and its various applications as a soil amendment and in remediation.

For more information about the conference or to register visit www.easternwv.edu, email tina.metzer@easternwv.edu, or call 304-490-9308.

For more information about Eastern’s financial aid opportunities, programs of study, workforce training and community education and events, call toll free: 877-982-2322; or check the College’s website: “www.easternwv.edu”.  Serving the residents of Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, Pendleton and Tucker counties, and fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College is a comprehensive and equal opportunity community and technical college bringing the resources and assets of Education That Works to the families, communities and employers of the Potomac Highlands.

Eastern’s service district comprises 3,200 square miles over six counties in the rural Potomac Highlands of eastern West Virginia.