Jul 22, 2025

Growers wanted for USDA-backed compost research trials

The U.S. Composting Council (USCC) and Zero Foodprint (ZFP) are seeking growers in California, Washington and Colorado to participate in a new compost research initiative supported by the USDA.

Backed by a Conservation Innovation Grant, the three-year project will evaluate the benefits of compost application on working farms through two types of trials: variable-rate compost trials and agronomic compost trials. The research aims to explore compost’s potential to improve soil health, increase productivity and reduce the need for synthetic inputs.

Participating farmers will receive up to $10,500 to cover the cost of compost material, delivery and application. In addition to financial support, growers will receive free technical assistance throughout the duration of the project.

“Farmers who participate in this project will help build important data on how compost can be used effectively and efficiently,” the organizations said in a flyer promoting the program.

The research team is currently recruiting growers from four target regions: California, Eastern Washington, Western Washington and Colorado. Priority will be given to farms that can commit to the full three-year duration and are open to collaborating on field trial implementation and data collection.

The project is a collaboration between USCC, ZFP, the Organic Farming Research Foundation and several technical partners.

Farmers interested in learning more or signing up for the project can access region-specific interest forms online.