Sitos Group & Treehouse Almonds Partner to Advance Carbon Removal in California
In an exciting stride towards sustainable farming and carbon-negative solutions, Sitos Group has announced a partnership with Treehouse California Almonds to launch a pioneering $9 million biochar production facility.
A Transformative Partnership
Located in Delano, California, this 25,000-square-foot facility represents a significant milestone for Sitos Group as they expand their commercial biochar production on the West Coast. Poised to be fully operational by the end of 2025, the facility will play a pivotal role in advancing regenerative agriculture and climate-smart practices.
At the heart of the facility's operations will be the transformation of almond shells from Treehouse Almonds' processing into high-quality biochar. This innovative repurposing of agricultural co-product into biochar will not only support sustainable farming, but also enable the development of valuable carbon removal strategies.
By partnering with Treehouse Almonds, Sitos Group is creating a circular model that generates positive impacts for local agriculture, the surrounding community, and the environment as a whole. This collaborative endeavor underscores both companies' commitment to responsible resource utilization and the implementation of sustainable solutions.
“This landmark partnership with Treehouse California Almonds will establish our first commercial biochar facility, transforming almond shells into a powerful tool for carbon removal and regenerative agriculture. This project represents a significant step toward a circular economy in California’s agricultural sector, taking our biochar production to a meaningful scale.”
Technology for Sustainable Impact
The Delano facility will feature cutting-edge pyrolysis technology capable of processing 6,000 pounds of almond shell feedstock per hour. Key features include:
Three integrated slow-pyrolysis units operating as a single system
A fully integrated drying system with emissions and dust control
Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) generators that convert heat energy into clean electricity for the local power grid
Environmental Benefits and Climate Action
Biochar's importance in fighting climate change and desertification cannot be overstated. As recognized by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), biochar has emerged as a leading solution for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Recent data shows that biochar accounts for 93% of CO2 removal in the durable carbon market worldwide.
The benefits of biochar production and utilization in agriculture include:
Long-term carbon sequestration in soil
Enhanced soil quality and moisture retention
Improved nutrient holding capacity
Reduced need for chemical fertilizers
Support for beneficial soil microorganisms
Decreased nutrient runoff
Educational Hub for Sustainable Agriculture
Beyond production, the facility will serve as an educational hub for nature-based CDR through biochar. This aligns with our mission to support regenerative agriculture in California while advancing global carbon removal efforts.
“As climate change continues to come to the forefront of agriculture, this partnership with Sitos Group represents another leading step forward in our company’s commitment to climate-smart action and regenerative agriculture in the almond category. We see this partnership as a tremendous advancement not only for our orchards and California’s environment, but also for our growers and business partners – for many years to come.”
Looking Forward
This facility, funded through private investment from Sitos Group shareholders and New Markets Tax Credits, marks a crucial milestone in our journey to revolutionize regenerative farming practices. We're proud to work alongside Treehouse California Almonds in creating a more sustainable future for agriculture. The future of biochar just got nutty!
About Sitos Group
Sitos Group is a biochar manufacturing company dedicated to supporting regenerative agriculture in California and advancing global carbon removal efforts. The company is co-founded by Steve McIntyre, owner of Monterey Pacific, LLC. (MPLLC), which manages 20,000 acres of vineyards in Monterey, Napa, Lake, and San Luis Obispo Counties, and Mayo Ryan, a seasoned agriculturist with extensive leadership experience in large agribusiness firms. With strong agricultural roots, the Sitos Group team is committed to revolutionizing the way farmers approach regenerative practices by providing a sustainable solution that improves soil health, mitigates drought, supports local communities, and combats climate change. For more information, follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Treehouse California Almonds
Treehouse California Almonds, a leading provider of premium quality almond ingredients to the world’s leading food companies. For more than 40 years, vertically integrated Treehouse California Almonds has delivered premium almond products, in all forms, to customers in more than 50 countries worldwide. High-quality raw almonds, sourced from Treehouse’s orchards, are grown with respect for bees, farmers and the environment, and with commitment to Good Agricultural Practices and Good Management Practices. Treehouse California Almonds is a proud partner in award-winning The Almond Project, a multi-year initiative aimed at advancing sustainable almond farming methods and aims to preserve natural resources, enable ecosystem regeneration, protect farming communities and ensure nutritionally rich California almonds for generations to come. To learn more, visit www.TreehouseAlmonds.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Jessica Bronner
Marketing and Public Relations, Sitos Group
Jessicab@sitos.earth
831-744-2544