WORC 2023 Annual Conference
WORC is thrilled to announce our annual conference will be taking place in person and we’ve partnered with the Tilth Alliance! Our joint planning committee is looking forward to gathering composters, farmers, producers, researchers, and food system professionals for three days of sharing, learning, and relationship-building — all aimed at growing a healthy food system.
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About the Event:
The conference is an annual event bringing together hundreds of farmers, food system professionals, researchers, and educators for more than 25 lectures, workshops, and panel discussions that highlight Washington’s farmers.
Conference speakers present on a range of topics covering different experience levels and interests — from implementing new technology to developing expanding markets; from building food resiliency to creating change through political advocacy. Friday features a keynote speaker.
The conference starts Thursday morning with a three-hour Soil Health Workshop, followed by a tour.
WORC Conference Sessions:
Farm Walk and Biochar Workshops take place at White Lotus Farms:
Building and Operating a Biochar Kiln - Norm Baker, Sierra Club - North Olympic Group
An on-site demonstration of how a farm-scale biochar kiln can be built and operated.
Making Biochar with a Flame Cap Kiln - Francesco Tortorici, Olympic Biochar
A discussion of how Olympic Biochar creates biochar at their facility and how their customers use it.
Educational Sessions:
Session 1:
Co-Composting with Biochar: Research, farmer, and industry perspectives – Doug Collins and David Bill
Doug and David will discuss a recent research project done at Midnight Farms examining the efficacy of incorporating biochar into the on-farm compost system.
Co-Composting Bio Char and Greenwaste - Jack Hoeck, Rexius Forest By-Products
Jack will discuss how and why Rexius mixes biochar with greenwaste to create a premium compost product.
Session 2:
Soil Incorporation of Biochar - Norm Baker, Sierra Club - North Olympic Group
A detailed discussion of the value of biochar in soil products and its application for home gardeners, small farms, and compost facilities.
Biochar: A Promising Bioretention Amendment for Enhancing Removal of Contaminants from Stormwater, Chelsea Mitchell - Washington State University, Puyallup Research and Extension Center
A discussion of recent research done employing biochar as a component in a green stormwater infrastructure system.
Session 3:
Statewide Compost Emission Study Update - Megan Rounds, Washington State Department of Ecology
An overview of the ongoing compost emission study. The purpose and value of the work will be reviewed with a recap of what has been done to date and what future work is planned.
Research to Improve Compost Facility Emissions Permitting - Tim O'Niell, Engineered Compost Systems (ECS)
Review of what has been learned so far with the compost emission study.
Volatile Organic Compound Emission Factors from Green Waste/ Food Waste Composting Using the WSU Compost Pilot Plant - Tom Jobson, WSU - Department of Civil Environmental Engineering
Details on the methodology and results of emissions factor testing during composting.
Session 4:
Effective Composting for Small Diversified Farms in Washington State: Case Studies on Heyday Farm and Bloedel Reserve Michael Brian-Brown, Green Mountain Technologies
Two examples of how small farms incorporated compost systems into their practices
Organics Management Law and the Compost Reimbursement Program - Derek Thedell, Washington State Department of Agriculture
Details on the Compost Reimbursement Program that is being kicked off this fall.
Session 5:
Implementation of Organic Management Laws in Washington: challenges, opportunities and the road ahead – Alli Kingfisher, Washington Department of Ecology
What has been happening since the Organics Management Law was passed in 2022, and what to look for in the rest of 2023 and 2024.
Economic Benefits of Organic Amendments: An Ecosystem Services Evaluation of Compost and Class A Biosolids in King County - Kate Kurtz, City of Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities, Kelsey Bailey, King County Solid Waste Division, and Dave Keeney, King County, Wastewater Treatment Division
Organic Amendments like compost and biochar have enormous value outside of their value to reduce the need for fertilizer. The city of Seattle and King County will discuss a recent attempt to quantify some of those values, including reduced flood risk, carbon sequestration, reduced stormwater runoff and more.
Biofiltration and Odor Management Using Biochar - Jan Allen, Chomp Energy
How Chomp Energy is using biochar in odor management and biofiltration applications.
Conference Highlights:
Keynote speeches from leaders in the organic and sustainable farming community.
Educational sessions covering a range of scales, experience levels and interests from leaders, colleagues, your neighbors in the organic and sustainable farming community, AND those working in the composting and recycled organic materials community.
A vibrant industry trade show where farmers and businesses can network and learn about new agricultural products and services.
Fun social events, including a banquet dinner and live music, where you can meet new people and reunite with old friends.
Sponsorship Benefits:
Reach your target audience in an intimate setting over the course of the two afternoons at our conference.
Network with attendees at a trade show booth.
Receive exclusive benefits including product and collateral placement, opportunities to address attendees, and call outs by Tilth Alliance in print, online, and during the conference.
Access to a highly engaged and diverse group of farmers and producers.
Check out the Sponsorship & Trade Show Kit to see full marketing and event benefits for each sponsorship level, trade show details and program ad rates.