Presented by: Lourdes Haro, IBI Certification Program Coordinator Shiva Scotti, IBI Administrative Director. July 9 & July 12, 2012

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1 Presented by: Lourdes Haro, IBI Certification Program Coordinator Shiva Scotti, IBI Administrative Director July 9 & July 12, 2012

2 Describe Biochar Certification Program goals, benefits, and IBI s role Describe Biochar Certification Program scope and what it means to have biochar certified by IBI Biochar Certification Program process for biochar manufacturers (producers) Biochar Certification Program implementation plan and timeline Question and Answers 2

3 Expanded Markets IBI is creating biochar product standardization to spur industry internationally. IBI s Biochar Certification Program is based on the first universal material standards for biochar, recently developed by IBI. IBI believes globally-developed standards and certification opportunities for biochar materials will provide market and investor assurances that are necessary to drive commercialization of this industry. 3

4 IBI is the world s foremost authority and source of credible information on biochar. With 43 active affiliated regional and national biochar groups, IBI serves as an international biochar information repository: 11,969 hits to from 164 different countries in June 2012 IBI promotes the development of biochar systems that follow cradle-to-cradle sustainability guidelines. IBI maintains 5 membership categories to serve over 3,800 members in our network. IBI recently published IBI Biochar Standards*, the basis for this Biochar Certification Program. *Refers to International Biochar Initiative (IBI) Standardized Product Definition and Product Testing Guidelines for Biochar That Is Used in Soil, May

5 Brand Value: IBI s brand is important to producers and buyers alike. Product Differentiation: IBI Biochar Certification allows a producer to label biochar as IBI-certified, and as having met IBI s Biochar Standards. Standards Credibility: The IBI Biochar Standards were developed in a global, transparent, inclusive process adhering to international standard-setting processes. Certified biochar will meet these established standards. *Refers to International Biochar Initiative (IBI) Standardized Product Definition and Product Testing Guidelines for Biochar That Is Used in Soil, May

6 Voluntary program for biochar manufacturers. Biochar Certification Program is limited to biochar for use in soils. What the program is not: The IBI Biochar Certification Program certifies only biochar, not any other product, including a product mixed with biochar. Example: A biochar product that consists of biochar mixed with compost or other soil conditioners cannot be certified, but it is possible for the biochar component of a product to be certified. The final product label could then state that it is made with IBI-certified biochar, or that the biochar component of the product is IBI certified. The IBI Biochar Certification program does not certify biochar systems, processes, or equipment that produced the biochar, whether proprietary or otherwise. The IBI Biochar Standards and Biochar Certification Program are technology neutral and refer only to the biochar material. IBI Biochar Certification Program is not intended to address issues of sustainability, energy or greenhouse gas balance, etc. 6

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8 60 days 10 days 1 year 365 days - IBI Auditing & Verification 8

9 *The Material Safety Data Sheet is not a required document for IBI certification. It is recommended by IBI as it is an important consideration in good business practice and responsible industrial production. 9

10 Within 60 days of registration, Producers/Applicants must complete and submit the online application form and required documentation. Biochar Certification Registration Requirements: Completion of IBI online registration form. Application form electronically submitted with additional completed, required documents. Product registration number (auto- ed to producer/applicant after completing IBI online registration form). Certification payment in full. Introductory rate: $275 per application Important Considerations: Required documents/application attachments should be attached in pdf-file format. 10

11 Within (10) business days of receiving a completed application form, IBI will review the application and provide Producer/Applicant with approval/rejection. If approved, Producer/Applicant will receive the IBI Certified Biochar Seal package and instructions for use via . Producer/Applicant can begin to use the IBI Certified Biochar Seal upon receipt and begin labeling their biochar product immediately. 11

12 Period of IBI-Certified Coverage IBI Biochar Certification period is one calendar year from the date of approval. Earlier renewal required if biochar undergoes material changes as outlined in the IBI Biochar Standards. Producers must re-certify to continue to use IBIcertified seal beyond stated expiration date. Important: For each IBI Certified Biochar, Producers will need to start re-certification process 60 days prior to expiration date of current Certification. Any producer in violation of IBI's Biochar Certification Program requirements and agreements may be subject to enforcement actions, including suspension/revocation of their IBI certificate and further legal action. 12

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14 IBI Biochar Standards : Further inquiries, suggestions, or feedback? us at: certification@biochar-international.org Coming soon: IBI Biochar Certification Program webpage, which will contain all necessary materials for product registration, application, and approval, as well as additional background materials and information. 14

15 Please use the Questions feature to submit your questions. 15