Want Compost? Low-Cost Program For Growers Wants To Hear From You

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The Sonoma Resource Conservation District is exploring a partnership with Zero Waste Sonoma to provide agricultural producers with compost at low cost and is asking local growers to weigh in through a brief survey designed to shape what officials call a “hassle-free program.”

The 10-minute survey aims to measure interest within the agricultural community, identify which pricing structures and participation conditions would work for growers, and map where compost is most needed across the county. Growers who complete the survey will be added to a contact list and notified first about upcoming low-cost compost opportunities through the district.

The effort is part of the district’s broader role in supporting conservation practices on agricultural lands.Resource Conservation Districts are locally governed special districts established under California law to address conservation issues on a voluntary basis. There are 97 RCDs statewide, each serving a distinct geographic area.

Though not part of county government, RCDs are a form of local government created to meet specific community needs, similar to fire protection, flood control, or open space districts. They are overseen by independent boards of directors and are subject to public meeting laws, open records requirements, annual audits and financial reporting standards.