Dovetail Partners Explores Biochar Commercialization at Minnesota Roundtable

Dovetail Partners Explores Biochar Commercialization at Minnesota Roundtable

• Nov 17, 2020

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Global demand for biochar, a type of charcoal, is expected to experience impressive growth in the next few years, according to a Fortune Business Insights Report. Dovetail Partners is pleased to be participating in a biochar roundtable in Minnesota.

The Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota facilitated by the Great Plains Institute (GPI), and the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) are partnering to raise the profile of biochar in Minnesota. At its upcoming member meeting on November 23, 12:00-2:00 p.m. central time, the Bioeconomy Coalition will feature a “Biochar in Minnesota Roundtable” with a panel of experts to talk about the opportunities and limitations of commercializing biochar in Minnesota. 

Ashley McFarland, Executive Director of Dovetail Partners, will share ongoing work in Dovetail’s biochar portfolio, including upcoming focus groups that will be held to explore the opportunities and challenges to production and utilization of biochar in Minnesota forests. 

The Bioeconomy Coalition welcomes guests at its upcoming member meeting and encourages others to register.

Bioeconomy Coalition Panelists

·    Ashley McFarland, Dovetail Partners

·    Brian Barry, Natural Resources Research Institute

·    Bridget Ulrich, Natural Resources Research Institute

·    Jim Doten, City of Minneapolis

·    Kurt Anderson, Minnesota Power

·    Kurt Spokus, U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service

This exciting discussion comes on the heels of the “Emerging Market Opportunities for Minnesota’s Forest Product Industry" white paper released by GPI in April 2020. In the paper, GPI highlighted that biochar, which is produced from thermally-processed wood, "holds potential as a soil amendment for improving the productivity of soils, preventing nutrient loss and water pollution, and storing carbon in soils." Although much is still unknown about biochar's potential long-term benefits, the Bioeconomy Coalition and NRRI are hoping to bring more awareness and attention to the subject.

The Bioeconomy Coalition (Coalition) of Minnesota brings together stakeholders across the state to collaborate and grow the industry along the entire value chain from research and development to production and use. The Coalition aims to position Minnesota as a global leader in the bioeconomy by working together on a shared strategy. The Coalition is facilitated by the Great Plains Institute, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with a mission to transform the energy system to benefit the economy and environment. GPI combines a unique consensus-building approach, expert knowledge, research and analysis, and local action to find and implement lasting solutions.  

The Natural Resources Research Institute delivers research solutions to balance our economy, resources, and environment for resilient communities.   

About Dovetail Partners

Dovetail seeks to engage you in thoughtful, collaborative processes so that we can create an inspiring path forward and empower you to lead with confidence.

Dovetail seeks to accomplish that by providing authoritative information about the impacts and trade-offs of environmental management, including consumption choices, land use decisions, and policy alternatives.

Dovetail is a highly skilled team that fosters sustainability and responsible behaviors through collaboration to develop unique concepts, systems, models, and programs. Dovetail excels at solving complex problems and helping responsible organizations succeed. We also help define programs that increase the job creation and the job quality of resource-based industries. Dovetail Partners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Learn more: dovetailinc.org. 

Media Contact

Ashley McFarland
Executive Director, Dovetail Partners
(208) 215-0407 
ashley@dovetailinc.org