Webinar – Compost Use in Agriculture: Safety, Challenges, & Opportunities

February 11, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM ET | Online Webinar

Compost is widely recognized for improving soil health, nutrient management, and long-term farm resilience. Yet in many produce systems, particularly in California’s Central Coast, food safety concerns, buyer requirements, and regulatory pressures continue to limit compost adoption.

This CREF webinar examines the science behind compost use in agriculture, separating perceived risks from measurable realities. By bringing together farmers and researchers, the session offers a grounded look at food safety considerations, compost variability, and practical strategies for navigating buyer and regulatory expectations while still realizing the benefits of compost.

What You’ll Learn

Joelle Mosso will cover:

• Food safety risk management strategies related to compost use
• Buyer and regulatory compliance considerations in produce systems
• How perceived versus actual risks influence compost adoption on farms

Dr. Alda Pires will cover:

• Microbial composition of finished compost from California composting facilities
• Use of decision-support tools to support risk mitigation when applying compost and other soil amendments

Dr. Hannah Waterhouse will cover:

• Variability in compost properties across facility types, feedstocks, and composting processes
• Key quality and nutrient parameters, including carbon and nitrogen content, C:N ratios, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, moisture, and water-holding capacity

Why Attend

This webinar is ideal for growers, compost producers, agricultural advisors, researchers, and sustainability professionals seeking a science-based understanding of compost use in produce systems. Attendees will gain clarity on how compost can be used responsibly and effectively while addressing food safety concerns and meeting buyer expectations.

Webinar Details

• Location: Online via Zoom
• Recording: This webinar will be recorded and shared with all registrants after the event
• Continuing Education: Eligible for 1 CE credit for Certified Compost Operations Managers™ and Certified Composting Professionals™
  • Attendance verification details will be provided in the follow-up email

Register today to gain practical, research-driven insights that can help bridge the gap between compost science and on-farm decision-making.