Overview

Vermont is at a pivotal moment for composting, soil health, and community resilience. Changing climate conditions, evolving state policies on organics diversion, and growing demand for healthy soils present both challenges and new opportunities for coordinated action. At the same time, farmers, land managers, municipalities, and community organizations are seeking reliable information, high-quality compost, and effective strategies for managing organic materials in ways that strengthen local economies and protect water quality.

Our vision is of a Vermont where organic materials are valued as resources, healthy soils support thriving farms and landscapes, and communities are more resilient to climate and environmental pressures. Achieving this vision requires bringing people together, expanding shared understanding about soil and compost, strengthening standards and policies, and building the markets and infrastructure needed for a robust composting ecosystem.

This strategic plan charts a focused path toward that future. It clarifies the roles CAV plays, sets priorities for collaboration, education, and advocacy, and identifies the systems and relationships that must be strengthened to advance high-quality composting statewide. By aligning our work with emerging opportunities and the needs of our partners, this plan positions CAV to support a healthier, more resilient Vermont—from the ground up.