Regenerative Collaboration in Colombia Leads to ‘Biochar Origins’ Coffee Line

Nick Brown | July 7, 2025

Biochar being spread in coffee fields as a soil amendment. All images courtesy of Equation.

Colombia-based green coffee seller Equation Coffee recently introduced Biochar Origins, a line of coffees resulting from a collective regenerative agriculture initiative.

The first coffee from the initiative recently came to market, reflecting an effort that has involved numerous farmers, soil experts and progressive coffee companies to employ biochar derived from coffee plant prunings as a soil amendment.

Biochar is a charcoal-like material that can be created by burning biomass — such as coffee waste, wood chips or manure — in a low-oxygen environment.

A simple kiln used to turn pruned plant waste into biochar.

Although its production is not common within the coffee sector, coffee biomass as a soil amendment for coffee and other food crops has shown astounding results in improving soil quality and in sequestering carbon. Pioneering research from the former nonprofit Radio Lifeline even suggested biochar might improve coffee quality.

Preliminary results from the Equation-supported biochar project include a 30% increase in organic carbon in the soil, and a 25% increase in farmer income through carbon credits and reduced input costs, plus additional income through increased food production.

The multistakeholder Coffee Biochar project has been supported by Equation’s Soil Revolution Fund, which supports regenerative projects associated with soil health and carbon sequestration, and by El Green Hub, a network of primarily Colombia-based agricultural and coffee groups working with a shared vision towards environmental health and stewardship. The biochar project is being co-coordinated by the agri-tech firm Biodiversal. See the full list of project partners here.

“This program is more than soil science; it’s a movement led by farmers who care deeply about their land and legacy,” Felipe Sardi, co-founder of Equation Coffee and director of the Soil Revolution Fund, said in an announcement shared with DCN. “By turning waste into worth, we’re building a future where coffee grows in harmony with the earth, and farmers thrive with dignity.”