Flura, a Pittsburgh-rooted startup, is poised to revolutionize the farming world with innovations in sustainable biosolid fertilizers.
Flura is closing the loop for farmers and the planet by transforming unused organic matter into nutrient-rich fertilizer—proving that sustainability and profitability can grow side-by-side in American soil. Their pioneering approach could dramatically reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers—marking a huge step forward for both soil health and climate resilience.
It’s innovation with Pittsburgh pride, and the agricultural world is paying attention.
Founded by two Pittsburgh natives, Flura has been working on a first-of-its-kind U.S. field trial with crop researchers at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. The three partners have been researching and exploring how Class A biosolids can be used as a sustainable fertilizer for industrial hemp grain and fiber production.
“By partnering on this trial, we’re exploring innovative ways to use Class A biosolids to support sustainable agriculture,” said Jeffrey Yarosz, CEO, Flura. “The goal is to understand how these nutrient-rich, EPA-approved materials can enhance soil health, improve crop productivity, and provide a model for environmentally responsible farming practices that other regions across the U.S. can follow.”
They have been measuring crop performance, soil carbon sequestration, and PFA absorption and comparing those measurements to a control group. The study will be repeated in 2026 to validate the outcomes, but so far the results have been very promising for showing that biosolids have the potential to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, enhance soil health, and support resilient agricultural systems.
Flura team members in Pittsburgh, as well as many investors and farmers in the region, are looking forward to showcasing just how beneficial the biosolid fertilizer can be for environmental and economic sustainability.
“Flura is proud to partner on this pioneering trial, which showcases how innovative nutrient solutions can advance regenerative agriculture,” added Yarosz. “By converting biosolids into high-quality, EPA-approved fertilizer and combining it with our hemp seed, we’re helping farmers increase yields, build healthier soils, and demonstrate a scalable circular economy model.”
Because Flura is proving sustainability can scale, their work could reshape how America grows its crops. It’s a major win for the region to see homegrown founders pushing the boundaries of environmental technology on a national stage.
Flura seeds are expected to be grown across Western Pennsylvania, New York, and the Midwest, and their fertilizer products will be available nationwide—including in Pittsburgh.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
