Compost Consortium, 25 March | Event in Apopka | AllEvents

Compost Consortium

UF/IFAS FLREC

Highlights

Wed, 25 Mar, 2026 at 09:00 am

6 hours

UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center

Starting at USD 30

Advertisement

Date & Location

Wed, 25 Mar, 2026 at 09:00 am to 03:00 pm (GMT-04:00)

UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center

2725 South Binion Road, Apopka, United States

Save location for easier access

Only get lost while having fun, not on the road!

About the event

Compost Consortium
Dive deep into the world of composting at the Compost Consortium - it's gonna be a green revolution!

About this Event

Welcome to the Compost Consortium! Join us at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center on March 25, 2026 at 9:00 AM (Eastern Time). Meet Florida's industry leaders and UF/IFAS researchers. Future trends and compost utilization will be discussed.



Agenda


🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Welcome
Host: Saqib Mukhtar, PhD

Info: Saqib Mukhtar, Professor and Associate Dean of Extension, Agriculture and Natural Resources, UF/IFAS. Dr. Saqib Mukhtar provides leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of IFAS/Extension's major initiatives that address critical issues in Florida's food, agricultural, natural resources, and horticultural production systems.



🕑: 09:15 AM - 09:45 AM
Deerfield Beach Compost Pilot Program
Host: Hillary Silverstone , Sustainability Coordinator

Info: The DFB Compost Pilot Program tested a small-scale, community-based approach to diverting food waste from the landfill through residential collection and drop-off options, the first of its kind in S. Florida. The pilot demonstrated strong participation, operational feasibility, and meaningful waste diversions. This presentation will highlight key outcomes and lessons learned which are helping guide local composting programs.



🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Organics Recycling: Understanding Regulatory and the Legislative Landscape
Host: Dustin DuBois, Filthy Organics , Founder

Info: Composting is an extremely effective method of recycling, showcasing its potential to address the 30% of organic waste present in our waste stream. Despite its obvious benefits, the initiation of composting practices can be hindered by various local and state regulations, making the process seemingly impracticable. In this presentation, my primary emphasis will revolve around examining the existing regulations pertaining to composting and shedding light on the factors that shape and influence them.



🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Break

🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Composting Trends and Challenges
Host: Jairo Gonzalez, President, Organics Recycling Foundati

Info: An overview of current composting practices, emerging trends, and the operational, regulatory and market challenges affecting organics diversion today.



🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Plant Nutrition Considerations for Compost in Soil and Media
Host: Lynn Griffith

Info: Composting has many advantages and limitations with its use in Florida in landscape, turf and nursery applications. Nutrient contents of several types of compost will be discussed, along with pH and longevity factors. Positive and negative outcomes, along with explanations as to why, and the outlook for compost moving forward.



🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
From Regulation to Root Zone: Compost Testing Across Users
Host: Dr. Franta Majs, Director IFAS/ANSERV Labs

Info: Compost is often evaluated under different analytical frameworks depending on its usage. This presentation will compare key similarities and differences between compost testing for nutrient management planning and for soilless substrate performance. Emphasis will be placed on how sampling methods, extraction procedures, and data interpretation shift based on procedure.



🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Composting in Florida: Where we are now, where we are going.
Host: Xavier DeRoos, Chairman of Florida Compost Council

Info: This presentation will highlight the future of composting in Florida and how Floridians, through research and teamwork, can make it work.



🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
LUNCH PROVIDED: PANERA

🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Industry Panel- Not All Compost is Created Equal
Host: Randall Penn, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota

Info: Panel discussion between leading composting companies across the state. Each brings their own unique story and perspective on the current landscape of composting in Florida.



🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
UF/IFAS Researcher and Extension Panel: Application and Utilization
Host: David Hebert, UF/IFAS Extension Nassau

Info: Panel discussion by UF researchers working in the field of composting and soil sciences. Each will highlight their field, research and how these applications can benefit Florida stakeholders.



🕑: 03:00 PM
END


Also check out other Business events in Apopka, Nonprofit events in Apopka.

interested
Stay in the loop for updates and never miss a thing. Are you interested?
Yes
No

Ticket Info

Tickets for Compost Consortium can be booked here.

Ticket type Ticket price
General Admission 30 USD
Advertisement

Event Tags

Nearby Hotels

UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center, 2725 South Binion Road, Apopka, United States
Tickets from USD 30
Ask AI if this event suits you

Host Details

UF/IFAS FLREC

UF/IFAS FLREC

1 Followers

Are you the host? Claim Event

Advertisement
Compost Consortium, 25 March | Event in Apopka | AllEvents
Compost Consortium
Wed, 25 Mar, 2026 at 09:00 am
USD 30