From enhancing soil health and improving water quality to reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides while minimizing landfill gas emissions, compost is a vital and unique tool in mitigating the effects of climate change.

In this VORS 2024 in-person session, a panel of policy drivers, producers, researchers, and practitioners shared their perspectives in a forward-leaning discussion amongst participants exploring compost production and its capacity for increasing ecosystem resiliency.

Starting with a foundational overview of composting programs and technologies ranging from small-scale operations at schools and farms to large permitted solid waste facilities, this session focused on connecting compost with climate resilience. Panelists introduced topics such as teaching climate resilience through community-level compost programs, the value of compost in carbon sequestration, and using compost-based agricultural practices to augment soil health. Some recent data and ongoing research was presented providing a baseline for the direction and scope of future investigations and analysis.

Through this session, we aimed to expand our collective understanding of compost production in Vermont and its value in fortifying our ecosystems given intensifying weather events and supporting strong and sustainable crop, fiber, and livestock yields. We encouraged participants to imagine creative, comprehensive, and continuous improvements in understanding compost for the climate.

Moderator: Susan Alexander, Lamoille Soil

Panelists:

• Cat Buxton, Grow more, Waste Less

• Josh Faulkner: UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Farming and Climate Change program

• Brian Jerose, Agrilab Technologies Inc.

• Mari Omland, Green Mountain Girls Farm

• Ryan Patch, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

• Alissa White, American Farmland Trust