From Citrus to Solutions:
Biotech Applied Research (BAR) offers a sustainable approach, leading the path to reviving Florida's Farmland
Florida’s Farmland Is Changing — And So Are We
More than 57,000 acres of citrus are lost each year, often burned as waste which releases carbon and reduces the value of the land. At Biotech Applied Research (BAR), we transform this crisis into an opportunity. Our mobile biochar units reduce waste volume by 90 percent, sequester carbon in the soil for 100 years, and help farmers retain 30 percent more soil moisture while increasing fertility by up to 36 percent.
We do more than restore soil; we help build Florida’s bioeconomy. By working with industrial hemp, biochar, bioplastics, and biofuels, we support sustainable agriculture and protect farmland for future generations through long-term carbon value. Florida’s bioscience sector already supports over 107,000 jobs and the momentum is growing.
If you need land cleared, want to explore bio-based project development, or are interested in how we are helping communities thrive, we are ready to work with you.
Who We Are​
At Biotech Applied Research (BAR), our story begins with generational farmers witnessing the decline of the citrus industry and the profound impact of climate crises on Florida's growers. Founded with a mission to revitalize the agricultural sector, we aim to create an economy that uplifts rural communities affected by these challenges.
We are dedicated bringing innovative solutions to the field that have never been implemented before, the way for lasting change Together, we can transform the future of agriculture and foster resilience in our communities.
Biotech Applied Research (BAR) is making
home-grown solutions from Florida waste
57,551
Acres of citrus lost in 2024 alone
​
$6.8 B
Annual economic output from Florida’s citrus industry ​
≥ 36%
Increase in soil nutrients and fertility with biochar
$400 B
Projected economic value of the U.S. bioeconomy by 2030
Donna Doubleday
President/Chief Executive Officer, CareerSource Heartland
CareerSource Heartland (CSH) and Biotech Applied Research (BAR) have been strong partners since BAR’s inception in 2023. BAR’s innovative solutions to promote agricultural sustainability, combined with their support and creation of new green jobs, provide resounding validation of their commitment to economic and workforce development in the Central Florida region. And, we appreciate Zack Farr serving as a member of the Education and Industry Consortium, CSH’s independent advisory group to the Board.
Mr. Farr’s valuable input brings a unique perspective to locally developed workforce solutions. We appreciate our partnership with BAR and are excited about all that the BAR team is bringing to our area.
