Biopharming

Terrestrial carbon is a critical component in the balance of the Earth's carbon cycle, encompassing both organic and inorganic carbon stored in the soil, as well as living and dead forms of biomass. Carbon in the atmosphere can be traced back to natural and anthropogenic sources. Natural sources of atmospheric carbon include decayed animal and plant life, volcanoes, natural brush and forest fires, respiration of plants and animals, and methane from digestive systems and permafrost. Anthropogenic sources, on the other hand, include vehicles, power plants, cement plants, and man-made industrial plants.

The importance of soils in storing carbon and supporting vegetation cannot be overemphasized, and the management practices employed on the land are key determinants of their carbon storage capabilities. With intensive cultivation and croplands, much of the soil carbon has been depleted, making them an ideal site for carbon storage through biopharming. Biopharming combines various techniques, equipment, microbes, aqueous and gaseous components, pest management, crop rotation, fertilization, and irrigation, all dependent on the location and the soils for livelihood.

No-till practices are an excellent way to reduce field erosion and CO2 emissions, as any disturbance of the soil can release a significant amount of carbon. Additionally, no-till has the potential to increase soil carbon by storing organic matter, a crucial component in terrestrial carbon storage. Tillage, which is common in many agricultural practices, has led to the release of an estimated 78 billion tonnes of carbon trapped in the soil.

Multiple cover crops, as well as bamboo, soursop, noni, hemp and bee keeping, can uptake carbon at a faster rate than trees and can be harvested and replanted more frequently. Cover crops also help control weeds and increase nutrients in the soil. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Ampio Verde Inc., through its Prolific-Fund carbon credits, supports projects that aim to increase soil carbon storage and promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Biopharming is a revolutionary method that has a significant impact on the quality and therapeutic consistency of Botanical Raw Materials (BRM). These materials are the basis for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and are vital to the development of Investigational New Drugs. In order to ensure an adequate supply of BRMs post-approval, it is necessary for developers to establish large growing regions with multiple cultivation sites or farms that follow the principles of Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP).

Through biopharming, agricultural practices are combined with GACP principles to enhance the production of BRMs. This results in an expansion of depleted supply chains and reduces dependency on imported APIs. Additionally, the use of biopharming can help to increase the sustainability of botanical drug production while decreasing the risk of climate-related supply chain disruptions.

 Regenerative farming practices can play a crucial role in mitigating climate-related risks by improving soil health and increasing its ability to absorb and retain water. Climate-related risks can have slow or sudden impacts on agriculture, resulting in crop losses, soil erosion, and the spread of pests and diseases. These risks are no longer just a future threat, and it is important to take action to build resilience into agricultural investments and development.

At Ampio Verde Inc., we recognize the importance of regenerative farming in addressing climate-related risks. Through our Biopharming projects, we focus on building resilience and sustainability into our investments and development. We work collaboratively with our project participants, the C.A.P. Syndicate, to bridge gaps in knowledge and technology and develop sustainable agricultural practices.

Regenerative farming practices, such as no-till farming and cover cropping, improve soil health and can reduce erosion, while also increasing the soil's ability to absorb and retain water. This not only mitigates climate-related risks but also improves the quality and yield of crops. Through our efforts, we hope to increase the adoption of regenerative farming practices and promote sustainable agriculture as a means of mitigating climate-related risks