Join The Organic Center for a Webinar on Science-based Composting Practices , taking place Friday, July 23, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern / 9:00 a.m. Pacific. 

Soil amendment use is one option among a number of management practices that growers have to support plant growth and build healthy soils. Some soil amendments are biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO) and they are primarily used as a nutrient source and to build up organic matter in the soil. However, the use of BSAAO in produce production can present a microbial food safety risk by introducing human pathogens into the soil as well as the broader farm environment. This two-part webinar series will outline benefits and risk reduction practices when using manure, compost, and other BSAAO often used on produce farms. The relationship between these BSAAO recommendations and the requirements in the National Organic Program, Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, and third-party Good Agricultural Practices audits will also be explored. Both webinars will include a Q&A session at the end.  

The second presentation in the series will highlight science-based composting practices that growers can use to minimize microbial food safety risks while reaping the soil health and production benefits from the use of BSAAO. A discussion will follow about the treatment status and documentation requirements for other common BSAAO such as vermicompost, fish emulsion, and pelletized poultry litter.

• Esteemed Panelists:
• Donna Pahl Clements, M.S., Product Safety Alliance's Southwest Regional Extension Associate | Cornell University
• Elizabeth A. Bihn, Ph.D., Senior Extension Associate, Department of Food Science | Cornell University
• Dr. Amber Sciligo, Ph.D., Associate Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)

Open to all. This Webinar will be recorded and shared on demand approximately 2 business days following the presentation.