Mark your calendars, composters! This spring, come to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Compost Consortium!
WHERE: Mid-Florida Research and Education Center 2725 S. Binion Road Apopka, FL 32703
WHEN: March 25th, 2026 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The UF/IFAS Compost Consortium is a state-wide conference where faculty, stakeholders, and the general public can learn and engage in discussion and networking. Plenty of well-qualified and experienced speakers and panelists will keep you engaged this year! Read each speaker’s bio below and click their name to see their professional page or public outlet.
SPEAKERS
Franta Majs, Ph.D., Associate Scientist & Director of IFAS-ANSERV Labs at University of Florida: Franta will present how compost is often evaluated under different analytical frameworks depending on whether it is used for land application or as a component of container media. 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.
Dustin Dubois, Founder of Filthy Organics in Broward County: Dustin DuBois is the Founder of Filthy Organics. He is a Florida native, an entrepreneur, veteran and former Navy SWCC. Serving in the United States Navy, he was stationed in San Diego. Here he became submerged in the California culture and found the importance of recycling and sustainable living. The presentation will discuss composting as an extremely effective method of recycling, showcasing its potential to address the 30% of organic waste present in our waste stream. However, despite its obvious benefits, the initiation of composting practices can be hindered by various local and state regulations.
Jairo Gonzalez, President & Trustee, Organics Recycling Foundation: For the past 10 years has developed and designed, cost effective, food waste and organics recycling programs both in urban/rural settings with the goal of creating healthy soils, sustainable businesses and food waste reduction programs, while diverting organics waste from incinerators and landfills. The Presentation will feature an overview of current composting practices, emerging trends, and the operational, regulatory and market challenges affecting organics diversion today.
Lynn Griffith, Tropical Plant and Soil Expert, Consultant: Lynn will cover the advantages and limitations of compost 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 will be outlined, along with explanations as to why, and the outlook for compost moving forward.
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.
Hillary Silverstone, Deerfield Beach Compost Pilot Program: Hillary serves as the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Deerfield Beach since December 2014, where responsibilities include managing the Energy Performance Contracting project, spearheading sustainability initiatives, monitoring energy consumption, and leading the DFBee Apiary program. 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 decisions on expanding a long-term local composting program.
Xavier deRoos, Director of Florida Composting Council and founder of Renuable: Xavier is the founder of Renüable. They operate event, commercial, drop off, and residential composting services around most of the state. We currently serve Miami Dade, Broward, Tampa and St. Pete, Sarasota, Gainesville, Orlando, and many of the areas in between. This presentation will highlight the future of composting in Florida and how Floridians, through research and teamwork, can make it work.
PANELIST BIOS COMING SOON!
Industry Panel: Not All Compost Created Equal Moderated by UF/IFAS Extension Agent Randall Penn
UF Research and Extension: Applications and Utilization of Compost Moderated by Extension Agent Dave Hébert
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