During this two-day conference, participants learn how to start or expand an earthworm or vermicompost production facility. Key issues for vermicomposting operations are covered, such as earthworm husbandry, feedstocks, siting, equipment, permits, monitoring, and harvesting. You will also understand how vermicompost affects plant growth and suppresses plant pests and diseases.

Although dairy manure is the leading feedstock used in large vermicomposting operations, an increasing number of facilities are using pre- and post-consumer food residuals. Speakers at this year’s conference will describe their experiences using each of these feedstocks. A researcher in Israel will share his work with vermicomposting spent mushroom waste, and an entrepreneur will describe the three dozen large vermicomposting operations he has set up in communities in Mexico.

Selling vermicompost products is another important topic discussed at the conference. Some people are so focused on setting up worm bins and getting their earthworm population growing that marketing products is an afterthought. Therefore, developing diverse markets is explained and emphasized during the conference.

About 120 people attend each year from all over the United States and throughout the globe. Previous participants came from Belgium, Thailand, Australia, India, Greece, Guatemala, Argentina, Norway, China, Switzerland, Nigeria, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Latvia, Israel, Turkey, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Canada, Uganda, Micronesia, Trinidad and the Dominican Republic.

Mark your calendar for October 26-27, 2017 and join worm enthusiasts from all over the United States and other countries at this unique event! REGISTER at https://commerce.cashnet.com/cashnetg/selfserve/EditItem.aspx?PC=CALS7-VCONF