Delano to Host New Biochar Almond Shell Facility
A new facility will convert almond shells into biochar to aid soil enrichment and carbon removal.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Should agricultural companies invest in converting crop waste into biochar to improve soil health?
Treehouse California Almonds and Sitos Group are launching a 25,000-square-foot biochar manufacturing plant in Delano, California. The project, which costs $9 million, is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of 2025.
Why it matters
The facility seeks to repurpose agricultural co-products, such as almond shells, into biochar to facilitate carbon sequestration in soil. This move integrates waste-to-energy technology into the regional agricultural infrastructure.
The 25,000-square-foot plant will process 6,000 pounds of almond shell feedstock every hour. Its systems utilize three slow-pyrolysis units and Organic Rankine Cycle generators to produce electricity.
The players
Treehouse California Almonds
Treehouse California Almonds is a company based in Earlimart, California, that specializes in the processing and marketing of almond products.
Sitos Group
Sitos Group is a private firm providing shareholder funding for the new biochar manufacturing facility in Delano.
The details
The facility uses an integrated drying system alongside emissions and dust controls to transform almond shells into biochar. This process is designed to repurpose agricultural co-products while sequestering carbon.
Timeline
The biochar facility is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025.
Culture Shift
This facility aligns with the broader push to institutionalize carbon sequestration within agricultural operations. The project follows the pattern of scaling durable carbon removal solutions as established by the global market trend of removing 125,000 tons of CO2.
Residents in the Delano area may see increased infrastructure development and agricultural waste processing activities at the new site. The facility aims to modernize the local management of almond co-products, potentially influencing regional soil health strategies.
The takeaway
The development demonstrates how agricultural firms are shifting toward carbon-negative practices by turning waste into value-added soil amendments. This model serves as a template for other regional growers looking to diversify their income while reducing their environmental footprint.
Further reading
Learn more about sustainable farming practices and industry innovation in our Organic Food section.
Live Poll
Should agricultural companies invest in converting crop waste into biochar to improve soil health?
