Connecticut Compost Conference – POSTPONED

On behalf of the CT Compost Conference Planning Committee, it is with disappointment that we inform you of our decision to postpone the CT Compost Conference, originally scheduled for March 23, 2020, until Fall 2020.

 

Over the last few weeks, we have been monitoring the spread of the COVID-19 virus, discussing, and reviewing the options. The CT Compost Conference is intended to provide education and networking opportunities. This cannot be achieved while authorities are warning people to avoid crowds and unnecessary gatherings. We do not want to put anyone at risk. With the Governor’s announcement, it seems wise to reschedule the conference for Fall 2020. For those that have already registered and would like a refund, please email ctnofa@ctnofa.org. Otherwise, we can hold your registration for the fall.

 

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut regarding COVID-19, as well as guidance and additional resources, visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Further information is also available from CCSU here: ccsu.edu/coronavirus

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-General Admission: $30
-Students – $15
-Exhibitors – $55

Agenda (subject to change)

8:30 AM: Registration, Breakfast, Networking, and Exhibitor Tables

9:15 AM:

• Welcome – Prof. Charles Button, CCSU
• State of the State – Compost permitting and regulations status in Connecticut – CT Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt, CT   Department of Agriculture and Robert Isner, Director Waste Engineering and Enforcement Division, CT DEEP

10:00 AM Keynote Presenters

• Mark Hutchinson, University of Maine Composting School
• Andrew Carpenter, Northern Tilth, Maine

11:30 AM Breakout Sessions

• Back to Basics: Medium Scale Composting- Mike Carignan, AGRESOURCE, NY
• Scale Up: Advanced Composting – Recipes & Calculators – Domingo Medina, CT NOFA

12:30 PM Lunch, Networking & Exhibitor Tables

1:30 PM Breakout Session

• Compost Feedstocks –Mark Hutchinson, University of Maine Composting School
• Compost siting, equipment, infrastructure, management and nutrient management – Andrew Carpenter, Northern Tilth, Maine

2:30 PM Break

2:45 PM Composting in CT – Farms & Municipalities currently composting – Speaker Panel/Q&A Coryanne Mansell, CET, MA (moderator and introduce: COMMUNITY TOOLKIT: Adding Food Waste to Compost) Panel speakers to be announced.

4:00 PM Compost Testing & Results

• Dawn Pettinelli, UConn Extension
• Beneficial Uses of Compost – James Hyde, USDA NRCS

4:30 PM Networking & Exhibitor Tables

5:00 PM Conclude

****Full registration scholarships are available to make the CT Compost Conference more accessible and inclusive by providing financial assistance to attend. Scholarships are prioritized for new or beginning farmers, farmers of low-income, or farmers who belong to ethnic, racial and sexual identity groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in Connecticut agriculture.

If you are interested in a registration scholarship please email Emily Cole at American Farmland Trust before registering for the CT Compost Conference. Her email is ecole [at] farmland.org – please include a brief introduction to yourself and your farming goals or experiences in your email.