Solutions for on-farm organics: Digging into compost

The ‘Solutions for on-farm organics: Digging into compost’ webinar recording explores practical approaches to managing organic materials on-farm and the role compost can play in improving resource efficiency, reducing waste and supporting soil health outcomes.

The session included perspectives from industry and growers, with Anne-Maree Boland (RMCG) providing an overview of the waste hierarchy and circularity opportunities within vegetable production systems, alongside practical examples of how organic materials can be reused, recovered and better managed across the supply chain.

John McKew, CEO of the Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA), provided insights into commercial compost production, compost quality, AS4454 standards and the importance of growers working closely with suppliers to source fit-for-purpose compost products

Grower Mark Schreurs, from Peter Schreurs & Sons, shared practical experiences using compost within the business’ farming system, including the integration of compost alongside cover cropping and minimum tillage practices. A key discussion point was the farm’s reported reduction in synthetic fertiliser inputs by up to 75 per cent over time, highlighting the potential long-term benefits of building soil organic matter and improving nutrient cycling within the farming system.

The webinar also explored:

Practical considerations when sourcing and applying compost
Food safety and contamination risks
Compost maturity and product consistency
Questions growers should ask suppliers
Opportunities to improve circularity and reduce organic waste across horticultural production systems.