• Free Compost From Agromin At Thousand Oaks Earth Day - April 24 - Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 2:12 PM
  • Agromin, an Oxnard-based manufacturer of premium soil products and the green materials recycler for Thousand Oaks and other Ventura County communities, is giving away 360 bags of compost during the City of Thousand Oaks/Conejo Recreation and Park District's 13th Annual Arbor/Earth Day celebration. The free event is Saturday, April 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Conejo Creek Park North (1379 East Janss Road behind the Thousand Oaks Library).

    "Much of Thousand Oaks soil is dense and sticky when wet," says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. This clay soil makes it difficult for water to reach a plant's root system. The decaying materials found in compost allow air and water to travel through the soil so roots receive the proper nutrition. Using compost is the most natural way to prepare for spring planting. There's no need to put chemical fertilizers into the ground to produce a bumper crop of vegetables and flowers."

    Agromin processes more than 365,000 tons of green waste each year. The green material is collected at curbside in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura County and is then chopped, cleaned and naturally composted before becoming soil products. The products are then distributed to farmers, landscapers and to consumers in bags or in bulk.

    "About 40 percent of all waste generated in California is green waste," says Camarillo. "From an environmental standpoint, it's important that we keep these materials out of landfills, which would reduce the amount of greenhouse gases this waste produces. Thousand Oaks residents can do their part by putting their green materials from their garden into their green recycling bins."

    For more information on green material recycling, visit www.agromin.com. For more information about Thousand Oaks Arbor/Earth Day, go to www.toaks.org/arbor.

    Labels: , , , ,

  • Garden Park Elementary School Kids Plant New Garden - Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 10:28 AM


  • Students at Garden Park Elementary School in Garden Grove planted vegetable gardens on school grounds over the weekend as part of a program to teach kids about gardening and respect for the earth.

    "Gardens are a great way to bring the community together as well as provide students an exceptional opportunity to learn about the cycles of life," says Gary Gerstner, Garden Park principal.

    Three tons of compost were donated to the school by Agromin, an earth-friendly soil manufacturer and the green materials recycler for numerous communities in Orange County. Once the soil was delivered, parents and students wheelbarrowed the compost to the garden areas where it was mixed into the soil. Parents then helped kids plant vegetable seeds and flowers.

    "Students will take responsibility for the entire garden. They will plant, water, weed, chart growth and ultimately harvest the vegetables," says Cammy Devereux, a Garden Park kindergarten teacher. Devereux has another plan for the site: her classroom's desert tortoise named Tortellini will be allowed to graze in a lettuce patch that students will plant especially for him.

    Second grade teacher Lori Wolsky says her students plan to grow radishes, mustard, green beans and flowers that will attract butterflies and good insects. "We are starting seedlings in cups so students can experience the entire growth process from planting seeds to harvest," says Wolsky. "Some of our veggies will be served in our school's salad bar."

    "Students, staff, and parents already have an understanding of the value of being good stewards of the the land. By planting and managing the garden, all will garner a deeper appreciation for nature and the earth," says Angie Balius, who teaches a second-third grade class.

    Labels: , , , , , , ,

  • 21st Century Victory Gardens Benefit Today's Hungry - Monday, October 5, 2009 at 3:38 PM

  • FOOD Share, Agromin encourage community to grow produce through Garden Share program, initiate call to action for neighborhoods to help feed our hungry.



    VENTURA, CALIF. (October 5, 2009--During WWI and WWII, growing Victory Gardens became a necessity to supplement community food supplies.

    Decades later, the idea of sustainable backyard and community gardens is again at the forefront. A program from FOOD Share, called Garden Share, is a new community-based effort that encourages neighborhoods to grow produce to help feed the hungry.

    FOOD Share and Agromin, the official sponsor of Garden Share, have made it fun and easy to get started through a free Garden Share member program that includes incentives, discounts on soil to start a garden, and how-to tips and support to get you started on the path to helping feed those in need.

    "Adding fresh, often organic, produce for our fellow food pantries to distribute is an amazing gift to people who so often go without," said Bonnie Weigel, FOOD Share CEO. "Whether you have a single container on the patio or a row in an acre of farmland, everyone can get involved to help with Garden Share."

    Agromin is one California's largest organics recyclers, diverting green materials collected from every community in Ventura County and converting them into more than 200 types of sustainable, eco-friendly soil products. It is offering its soil products at a special discount to volunteers who sign up to grow vegetables for Garden Share.

    "Agromin believes strongly that as a community we should help each other and help our environment," said Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. "Garden Share does both by feeding the hungry and by using soil made from locally-generated recycled green waste. Garden Share provides an opportunity for all of us to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and to make the environment we live in cleaner and more sustainable."

    POUNDS FOR PRODUCE
    Agromin and FOOD Share will select winners of a Pounds for Produce contest based on the amount of produce grown in one of six categories: potatoes, tomatoes, celery, onions, broccoli, and citrus. The contest is free to enter and open to everyone through July 15, 2010. Top producers in each category will win free soil from Agromin on a pound-for-pound basis, equal to the total weight of produce donated to FOOD Share.

    GET GREEN AND GET GROWING!
    Get started with a free Garden Share membership that includes incentives, discounts on soil from Agromin, how-to tips, and support to help grow your garden. To sign up and become part of the FOOD Share family, visit www.foodshare.com or www.agromin.com.

    For more information, call Meg Horton at FOOD Share, (805) 983-7100, ext. 105.

    About FOOD Share
    A major food bank distributing millions of pounds of food annually to those in need throughout Ventura County, FOOD Share collects and receives food year-round, distributing to more than 150 partner agencies throughout Ventura County and serving over 41,000 friends through its Oxnard headquarters.

    Its Brown Bag and Snack Attack programs provide supplemental nutrition to about 2,200low income seniors through 31 agencies and healthy nutritious after school snacks to approximately 1,800 children though 12 agencies countywide and provides food to more than 40,000 people each month. Information: (805) 983-7100 or www.foodshare.com.

    About Agromin
    As a United States Composting Council Composter of the Year Award-winner, Agromin, headquartered in Oxnard, manufactures premium soil products for farmers, landscapers and consumers, and is a green waste recycler for more than 50 Southern California communities.

    Each month, Agromin receives and processes thousands of tons of urban wood and green waste. Agromin then uses a safe, organic and scientific system to formulate its soil products from the processed recycled green waste. The result is more vigorous and healthier plants and gardens, and on the conservation side, more room in landfills and less greenhouse gas emissions. For more information: www.agromin.com.

    Labels: , , , , ,

  • Gardeners and Gardens Enjoy Cool Fall Weather In October - Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 1:29 PM
  • October finally brings relief from summer heat, allowing both gardeners and gardens to enjoy a temperate climate for planting an array of cool season vegetables, trees and shrubs, says Agromin, an Oxnard-based manufacturer of premium soil products and one of the state's largest green materials recycling companies.

    Plant Bedding Plants: Plant now for colorful blooms by Thanksgiving. Use nursery six-packs instead of costlier annuals in larger containers. In fall, smaller plants grow bigger and will flower longer than their larger counterparts.

    Landscape Trees and Shrubs: Plant drought-resistant trees and shrubs so they have the long, cooler winter months to establish themselves before summer heat. Avoid frost-sensitive plants and those best suited to summer planting. Drought-resistant trees and shrubs include Eucalyptus, California pepper, California sycamore (drought tolerant once established), coast live oak, Italian buckthorn and oleander.

    Let Roses Rest: Stop fertilizing roses, water sparingly and don't cut dead flowers. This will let plants make rose hips (fruits) to allow a smooth transition to winter dormancy.

    Plant cool season vegetables: Pull out summer vegetables that have stopped producing. Buy six packs of seasonal vegetables including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, peas, spinach, Brussels sprouts, lettuce and rutabaga. Plant them in well cultivated and amended soil.

    Spruce up perennials: Thin out perennials including Shasta daisies, callas and yarrow. Prune overgrown and dead stems, preferably almost to the ground. When the plants grow back, they will fuller with a less straggly appearance.

    Herb season: Hardy herbs that can be planted in fall include garlic, oregano, parsley, rosemary, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel and thyme. Basil goes to flower in fall so harvest and dry the leaves and use them for winter cooking.

    Cut back on watering: Unless we experience unusually strong and prolonged hot Santa Ana winds, gardeners can reduce the amount of water for their lawn, garden, trees and shrubs. Make sure water timers are shut off when it rains.

    For more gardening tips, go to www.agromin.com.

    ###
    About Agromin:

    Agromin manufactures premium soil products for the farmers, landscapers and consumers. Agromin is also the green waste recycler for over 50 Southern California communities. Each month, Agromin receives and processes thousands of tons of urban wood and green waste. Agromin then uses a safe, organic and scientific system to formulate its soil products from the processed recycled green waste. The result is more vigorous and healthier plants and gardens, and on the conservation side, more room in landfills and less greenhouse gas emissions. Agromin is the U.S. Composting Council's "Composter of the Year."

    Labels: , , , , , , , ,

  • September Gardening Tips - Monday, September 14, 2009 at 11:55 AM
  • While most gardeners around the country are winding down their gardens for the year, Southern California gardeners can plant a fresh crop of vegetables and blooms in September and October for enjoyment during fall and winter, says Agromin, an Oxnard-based manufacturer of premium soil products and one of the state's largest green materials recycling companies.

    Prepare Your Soil For Fall Flowers: Remove annuals. Break up and till the soil and generously add compost or organic planting mix. You may want to wait a week or two before adding fresh plants. This will give weeds enough time to germinate. Remove the weeds while they are small so they will be less of a headache later on.

    Plant Your Winter Flower Garden: Begin planting your fall and winter flower garden towards the end of September. While blasts of hot, Santa Ana winds will blow from September through November, September nights are generally cool and days pleasantly warm--perfect growing conditions. Your fall garden can include calendula, delphiniums, larkspur, Iceland poppy, pansies, snapdragon and stock. In shady areas, plant primrose, daisies and cineraria.

    Trim Perennials: Perennials are beginning to lose their summer luster. Trim excess plant growth and remove sagging summer flowers.

    Plant Wildflowers: Instead of scattering wildflower seeds on the surface of the soil and hope they will grow, for best results, rake the soil gently, spread the seeds and cover lightly with soil. The seeds will begin to germinate once wet weather arrives.

    Plant Spring Bulbs: Spring bulbs will soon be available at local nurseries. Now is the time to plant bulbs for such plants as tulips, daffodils and hyacinth.

    Plant Your Vegetables: When summer vegetable plants stop producing a robust crop (late September or October), remove the plants and replace them with vegetable plants that will produce through winter. Cool weather vegetables include cabbage, peas, broccoli, lettuce and green onions.

    Prepare for the Santa Ana Winds: Santa Ana winds can wreck havoc on newly planted trees, shrubs and gardens. New, shallow root systems can't replace water as fast as water is drawn from leaves by the winds. The winds can devastate a garden in a matter of days if water is not provided. When winds kick up, be prepared to quickly get out the garden hose and give your plants the moisture they need.

    For more gardening tips, go to www.agromin.com.

    Labels: , , ,

  • Soils & Mulches From Recycled Green Materials Now At Ojai Outlets - Monday, August 10, 2009 at 9:06 AM
  • Soil products and mulches made from materials collected each week from residential green waste bins in Ventura County are now available at three Ojai outlets.

    Planting mix, potting soil, vegetable garden mix and other soil products are produced by green waste recycler Agromin. They are available in bags at Wachter Hay & Grain (114 S. Montgomery St.) and Mountain Meadows Nursery (245 Old Baldwin Rd.). They are also sold in bulk at Greg’s Rents and Equipment Sales (420 Ventura Ave., Oakview).

    Agromin was recently named "Composter of the Year" by the U.S. Composting Council (USCC). Agromin compost is also USCC certified, meaning it meets the USCC standards for compost content and its soil products are clean and safe. Agromin compost complies with the requirements of the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), meaning it can be used in certified organic farm production and food processing according to the USDA National Organic Program.

    "Communities are striving to become more sustainable," says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. "One way is through recycling our green waste at a local level." Residential grass clippings, leaves and branches are cleaned of any non-green materials, chopped and laid out in composting rows at one of Agromin' recycling locations.. The material is turned and watered until microorganisms naturally "compost" the materials into rich, organic soil. The compost and mulch products are then bagged for consumer use or distributed onto agricultural lands throughout the county.

    "We all want to be more mindful of our natural resources," says Camarillo. "Using soil products made from local green waste is an easy way to help close the recycling loop."

    For more information about green recycling, go to www.agromin.com.

    Labels: , , , , , ,

  • Agromin Receives California Resource Recovery Association's 2009 Leadership in Organics Award - Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 10:14 AM
  • OXNARD, CALIF.--Agromin, an Oxnard-based manufacturer of premium soil products and one of the state's largest green materials recycling companies, was honored with the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) 2009 Dave Hardy Leadership in Organics Award. The award was presented at the August 4 CRRA annual conference in Rancho Mirage.

    Agromin was one of 10 government agencies and private sector companies honored for their innovative recycling programs. Specifically, the CRRA Dave Hardy Leadership in Organics Award is given to the business, government agency, community-based organization or school that has shown excellence in the production, marketing and utilization of organic materials.

    In 1990, California passed Assembly Bill 939, mandating all cities and counties to divert 50 percent of their waste from landfills by 2000. Since then, many jurisdictions have adopted "Zero Waste" goals. “Each year it is great to see the amazing programs that we have going on in the state," says Julie Muir, CRRA president. "Between the initiatives of local government, federal agencies, nonprofits, individuals and small private businesses, it’s no wonder California is a leader in resource conservation, and well on its way toward Zero Waste.”

    "Agromin is instrumental in helping cities comply with the AB 939 mandate," says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. Each year, the company receives and processing over 300,000 tons of organics (green waste, wood waste, food and other waste) that would have otherwise ended up in landfills producing greenhouse gas emissions. "While many businesses accept organic waste, few specialize in the sustainable processing, managing, recycling and marketing of the materials as we do," notes Camarillo.

    Agromin offers green materials diversion services to waste haulers, landfills and municipalities and then converts the diverted organics into more than 200 types of sustainable products including compost, mulch and soil amendments for consumers, municipalities, agriculture and landscapers. It processes more than 300,000 tons of materials a year from more than 50 communities in California. In January, Agromin was named "Composter of the Year" by the U.S. Composting Council.

    The CRRA is the largest and oldest affiliate recycling organization in the country. Founded in 1974, CRRA is a non-profit organization dedicated to resource conservation through the practices of reuse, recycling and composting. It works to expand markets for recycled materials and promote sustainable materials policies. Its members belong to every facet of the industry – nonprofits, waste haulers, recyclers, state, federal and local government officials, and recycled product manufactures.

    For more information about Agromin, go to www.agromin.com. For information about CRRA, go to http://www.crra.com.


    ###

    Labels: , , , ,

  • Santa Paula and Fillmore's Recycled Green Materials Now Available As Soil Products at Five Local Outlets - Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 5:16 PM
  • Soil products and mulches made from materials collected each week from the green waste bins of Santa Paula and Fillmore residents are now available at five area outlets.

    Planting mix, potting soil, vegetable garden mix and other soil products are produced by green waste recycler Agromin. They are available at AG Rx (186 Telegraph Rd., Fillmore), Apco Ag & Irrigation (17905 E. Telegraph Rd., Santa Paula, Fillmore Rentals (215 Palm St., Fillmore), Fruit Growers Supply Company (980 W. Telegraph Rd., Santa Paula) and Heritage Do It Best Hardware (568 W. Main St., Santa Paula).

    Agromin was recently named "Composter of the Year" by the U.S. Composting Council (USCC). Agromin compost is also USCC certified, meaning it meets the USCC standards for compost content and its soil products are clean and safe. Agromin compost complies with the requirements of the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), meaning it can be used in certified organic farm production and food processing according to the USDA National Organic Program.

    "Communities are striving to become more sustainable," says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. "One way is through recycling our green waste at a local level. Besides use by residents, much of the soil products created from local green materials is used by municipalities, agriculture and landscapers. Limoneira Company uses mulch from green materials processed at Agromin's 10-acre processing site on Limoneira property in Santa Paula. We all want to be more mindful of our natural resources. Using soil products made from local green waste is an easy way to help close the recycling loop."

    For more information about green recycling, go to www.agromin.com.

    Labels: , , , , , ,

  • Agromin Moves Headquarters, Maintenance and Wholesale Operations to Oxnard - Friday, July 10, 2009 at 11:36 AM
  • Agromin, the green materials recycler for communities throughout Ventura County and a manufacturer of premium soil products, has moved its headquarters, maintenance facility and wholesale operations to Oxnard.

    Previously housed in sites throughout the county, Agromin's consolidation into a centrally located 6,000 square foot facility will cut down on employee driving. "With less employees on the road, we will reduce our carbon footprint," says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. "And, because everything is under one roof, we can better coordinate our production and business services."

    Agromin is designated a Climate Action Leader by the California Climate Action Registry, a non-profit organization originally formed by the State of California. Members voluntarily promise to monitor and register greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Registry members that have successfully verified their emissions inventory earn the status of Climate Action Leader. "We are committed to doing everything we can to reduce our GHG emissions and being good stewards of the environment," explains Camarillo. "Our vision is to become an entirely sustainable, carbon-neutral, energy-efficient company."

    Agromin's new location is at 201 Kinetic Dr., Oxnard. The new telephone number is 805-485-9200. Commercial wholesale bulk soil products (no retail) are available at the facility.

    Labels: , , , , ,

  • Growing Produce - Story on Agomin-Limoneira Partnership - Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 12:53 PM
  • May 2009

    This past January, the California Institute for Rural Studies released a new report titled "California Water Stewards: Innovative On-Farm Water Management Practices." The report highlights several of these growers, whose efforts reflect important strategies for stewarding the state's limited water resources. Keep reading for more information on some of the water saving practices these growers are implementing.



    Sustainability is a high priority to Limoneira Company, as the Ventura County based company's 115-year history can attest. They grow a variety of fruit and nut crops on 7,000 acres in Southern California, including approximately 3,000 acres of lemons and avocados grown in Santa Paula, CA. Part of Limoneira’s success lies in their dedication to building partnerships with the community and other companies that share their vision.

    In response to the Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989, Limoneira Company formed a partnership with Agromin Corporation to help Ventura County meet required reductions in waste delivered to landfills. The partnership, formed in 2004, mutually benefits both companies. Limoneira provides Agromin with access to five acres of land, on which Agromin produces organic mulch and compost from municipal green waste collected from Ventura County residents. In exchange, Agromin provides Limoneira with valuable soil amendments for their farming operations.

    According to Gus Gunderson, Head of Southern Farming Operations, and Ely Key, Special Projects Manager, the organic mulch helps improve both soil structure and water efficiency. As Gus explains, "We are confident that the Agromin product has been helping improve orchard health because after applying mulch to the orchard floor we have seen an increase in overall tree health and productivity. As we add the organic matter, we are adding benefits to the soil structure; improving soil tilth and microbial populations. We are getting better intake of water and better intake of nutrients, which in turn gives us better root systems."

    Water-Saving Practices
    --Limoneira applies organic mulch/compost on their lemon and avocado orchards. Organic mulch reduces the need for water by holding moisture in the soil and reducing the amount of water lost through evaporation.
    --Limoneira contracts with Fruit Growers Laboratory to help monitor their soil and water quality, which helps them evaluate soil moisture levels and avoid ground water contamination.
    --Limoneira converted to low-flow micro-sprinklers and modified furrows with micro-tubes (spaghetti-tube) emitters to irrigate crops.
    --Using no-till farming methods in the orchards, they are able to reduce soil erosion and improve soil moisture holding capacity.
    Benefits
    --Compost improves soil structure by reducing bulk density in clay soils and increasing water-holding capacity in sandy soils. Improved soil structure produces better root structures and improves air and water infiltration.
    --Mulch holds the soil in place, reducing soil erosion and associated negative impacts on water quality.
    --Mulch increases organic matter in the soil, which in turn increases the amount of nutrients available to the trees and plants and reduces the need for chemical fertilizer.
    --Organic mulch is beneficial for the maintenance of microorganisms. It provides food and a stable environment, with a constant soil temperature, in which the microorganisms thrive.
    --Organic mulch dramatically reduces weed growth and herbicide use.
    --Mulch improves tree and plant health, leading to increased plant yield and improved fruit quality. Research conducted by the University of California Cooperative Extension also indicates that mulch can suppress the growth of Phytophthora and reduce the appearance of avocado thrips which cause scarring of immature fruit, thereby reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
    --The partnership between Limoneira and Agromin has had significant impacts on reducing the amount of green waste entering landfills.
    Costs
    --The cost of spreading the mulch including equipment and labor is around $350 per acre.
    --Limoneira receives the mulch free in exchange for providing Agromin with five acres of land to use for mulch production.
    Lessons Learned
    --Develop partnerships. By developing a partnership, Agromin Corporation and Limoneira help recycle the community's green waste while providing mulch for Limoneira's orchards and a marketable product for Agromin.

    Labels: , , , , ,

  • Agromin to Give Away 300 Bags of Compost at Thousand Oaks Arbor/Earth Day Celebration - Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at 10:06 AM
  • Agromin, an Oxnard-based manufacturer of premium soil products and the green materials recycler for Thousand Oaks and other Ventura County communities, is giving away 300 bags of compost during the City of Thousand Oaks/Conejo Recreation and Park District's 12th Annual Arbor/Earth Day celebration. The free event is Saturday, April 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Conejo Creek Park North (1379 East Janss Road behind the Thousand Oaks library). Agromin is an official sponsor.

    "Compost is the most natural material you can use to refresh your soil and prepare it for spring planting," says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. "The compost at the Thousand Oaks Arbor Day event is unique because it's made from locally-collected lawn clippings, leaves and wood."

    Agromin processes more than 300,000 tons of green waste each year. The green material is collected at curbside in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura County and is then chopped, cleaned and naturally composted before becoming soil products.

    "More than 40 percent of all waste generated in California is green waste," says Camarillo. "From an environmental standpoint, it's important that we keep these materials out of landfills. One of the best ways we can do this is to use a natural process and return it to the land in the form of compost--on farms and orchards, in business landscapes and in our own backyards."

    Agromin, which was recently named "Composter of the Year" by the U.S. Composting Council, will have a booth at the event and Agromin employees will be on hand to answer questions about soil types, mulch and compost. For more information on green material recycling, visit www.agromin.com.

    Labels: , , , , , ,

  • Agromin To Give Away 5 Tons of Compost At Santa Clarita Earth Day Festival - Monday, April 6, 2009 at 6:08 PM
  • Five tons of Agromin compost will be given away to Santa Clarita residents during the Saturday, April 18 Earth Day Festival and 20th Annual Arbor Day Celebration at Central Park (27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd.).

    Agromin is the green materials recycler for Canyon Country, Castaic, Newhall, Saugus, Santa Clarita, Stevenson Ranch and Valencia. The green materials are collected from residents and businesses and delivered to Agromin's Newhall Ranch processing facility. The material is cleaned, chopped and naturally composted. Agromin's products are free of animal waste and sludge.

    "Residents who use the Earth Day compost in their gardens will notice a difference from other soil mixes," says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. "Because of its natural organic make-up, the material is a deep, rich color, packed with nutrients. Your garden will love it and by using compost from recycled green material, you know you're doing your part to help the environment."

    Camarillo says residents can play another important role in the recycling process by putting lawn clippings, leaves and other plant material in residential green recycling containers each week. "This helps close the recycling loop," explains Camarillo. "Those green materials can then be turned into soil amendments that find their way back into your garden."

    Agromin is one of the state's largest green material recyclers and was recently named "Composter of the Year" by the U.S. Composting Council. It receives and processes more than 300,000 tons of wood and green materials each year. Agromin then uses a safe, organic and scientific system to formulate its more than 200 soil products.

    Festival hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For information on green material recycling, visit www.agromin.com.

    Labels: , , , , , , , ,

  • Agromin Named "Composter of the Year" by US Composting Council - Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 8:54 AM
  • CAMARILLO, CALIF.--Agromin, the green materials recycler for more than 90 communities throughout Southern California and a premium soil manufacturer, received the "Composter of the Year" award from the US Composting Council (USCC) at the 17th Annual USCC Conference held in Houston in January.

    The USCC is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the development, expansion and promotion of the composting industry in the US.

    Every year, the USCC evaluates and reviews the nominees for its Composter of the Year award. The award goes to the commercial-scale composting facility that has displayed excellence in both compost production and marketing/distribution. Additionally, the facility must be in operation for a minimum of five years and in regulatory compliance for the last three years.

    Agromin compost is USCC certified, meaning they have met the USCC standards for compost content and its soil products are clean and safe. As a participant in the USCC's Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) program, Agromin voluntarily tests its products to ensure their quality.

    "Everyone who disposes materials in their green recycling barrel each week is doing their part to close the recycling loop," says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. "Compost is made from the green materials and the soil products find their way back into landscapes and agricultural orchards and fields. Recycling is the one thing we can all do that's been proven to reduce waste and make our communities more sustainable."

    Agromin is one of the largest organics recyclers in California, recycling more than 300,000 tons of green materials in 2008. Agromin receives the green materials (i.e., leaves, grass clippings, brush, wood), and processes and composts the materials at its five facilities. It then produces 240 soil products including compost, bark and mulches for use by consumers, municipalities, agriculture and landscapers.

    For more information about Agromin, go to www.agromin.com.

    Labels: , , , , , , ,

  • - Friday, January 23, 2009 at 3:21 PM
  • Agromin, the green materials recycler for 19 cities in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties, recycled 302,139 tons of green materials in 2008 collected from residents and businesses. The amount recycled was a 20 percent increase over the 2007 figure of 240,583 tons.

    Green materials including lawn clippings, leaves, brush and wood are delivered each day to Agromin's five recycling facilities. The company then cleans, processes and composts the material into soil products. The products are returned to the earth when used by farmers, landscapers and consumers.

    "We've created a sustainable process where very little is wasted," says Bill Camarillo, Agromin's CEO. "Participation by residents and businesses is critical--both on the recycling and reuse sides. Green materials recycling keeps waste out of landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, as a community, we're making better use of our resources."

    Agromin compost is listed by the non-profit Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) so it is used in certified organic production or food processing in accordance to the USDA National Organic Program standards. Agromin soil products are also approved by the U.S. Composting Council (USCC). Agromin soil products are sold in bulk and in bags at locations in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Products are also available online at www.agromin.com.

    Labels: , , , , , ,

  • Agromin Receives 2008 Environmental Business Journal Achievement Award - Friday, January 16, 2009 at 11:15 AM
  • Agromin, the green materials recycler for cities in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties, received an Environmental Business Journal's 2008 Bronze Achievement Award for its work in waste and recycling services.

    Agromin was recognized for being one of the few green materials recyclers that specializes in the sustainable processing and recycling of materials. The company was singled out for using environmentally sound approaches to produce more than 240 soil amendment products for agricultural, public works and construction, landscaping and other applications. It was particularly credited with providing ag companies with a continual supply of compost and mulch for their orchards and crops, which helps farmers use less water, minimize erosion and cut down on the use of herbicides and pesticides.

    "At Agromin, our goal is to create innovative means to support and advance
    environmental sustainability," says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. "Our customers, whether farmers, landscapers or weekend gardeners, help us in these efforts by using products from recycled green materials. We're honored that the Environmental Business Journal recognized Agromin's efforts."

    An official awards ceremony honoring the award winners will take place at the Environmental Industry Summit in San Diego in February.

    For more information about green materials recycling, go to www.agromin.com.

    Labels: , , , , ,

  • Christmas Trees Lead Productive Lives After The Holidays - Friday, December 12, 2008 at 3:41 PM
  • Big Wave Dave's Christmas Trees and green materials recycler Agromin are teaming up to spread the word, that with the help of Ventura and Santa Barbara County residents, Christmas trees will have a productive life long after the holidays.

    Approximately 70,000 to 100,000 cut Christmas trees are purchased from tree lots in the counties each year. After Christmas, the trees are collected from residences and recycled into soil products for use locally by agricultural operations, landscapers and consumers," says Bill Camarillo, CFO of Agromin, the green materials recycler for 19 Ventura and Santa Barbara cities. "In as little as 60 days, trees go from being the center of holiday festivities to mulch used on farmland and in gardens and landscapes."

    To help with the after-Christmas recycling effort, Camarillo says residents should be sure trees are free of ornaments, tinsel, nails and tree stands before placing them in green recycling bins. "Because of these efforts, your Christmas tree may be part of the mulch you use in your garden next spring or it may have helped grow lemons, avocados or strawberries on local farms," says Camarillo.

    Dave Lidren, owner of Big Wave Dave's Christmas Trees with lots in Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura, Moorpark and Santa Barbara, says the cut Christmas tree industry is part of the sustainable movement. "We receive our trees from Pacific Northwest farms so the natural forests are untouched," says Lidren. "For every tree harvested, growers plant one or more replacement trees."

    Lidren sees considerable green benefits of live Christmas trees when comparing them to artificial trees. "Live trees are all natural and are 100 percent biodegradable. Artificial trees are made of non-biodegradable plastics and metals," says Lidren. "While growing, live trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air; artificial trees are made of petroleum-based products that pollute the air. Live trees are recycled; artificial trees wind up in landfills and could take decades to decompose. Plus, live trees are a renewable resource while the petroleum used to make the plastic in artificial trees is a non-renewable resource."

    Lidren says any unsold trees from his lots are recycled. "Nothing goes to waste," says Lidren. An Agromin green recycling display will be at every lot, reminding shoppers that Christmas is just one stop in the trees' lifecycle.

    Labels: , , , , , , ,

  • Environmental Innovation and Improving the Lemon Crop - Friday, August 22, 2008 at 5:19 PM


  • California Fresh Fruit

    August 3, 2008


    Imagine using less water and less fertilizers on your crops, yet produce higher yields and healthier plants and trees. That’s the result of a unique partnership between agricultural giants Limoneira Company, The Newhall Land & Farming Company and the second largest green waste recycler in California, Agromin.Both ag companies use mulch produced by Agromin on hundreds of acres of farmland.


    Limoneira, one of California’s largest agribusinesses, partnered with Agromin in 2004 to develop a five-acre green materials recycling facility on Limoneira land in Santa Paula. The facility receives 200 tons of green materials a day from surrounding municipalities, which is then converted into about 125 tons of mulch. The mulch is distributed throughout Limoneira’s lemon and avocado orchards.


    “Our trees have healthier root systems because of the nutrients in the mulch,” says Alex Teague, senior vice president at Santa Paula-based Limoneira Company. “Crop production has increased 10 percent and the quality of fruit has improved.”


    Since using Agromin mulch, Teague says Limoneira’s water usage is down 32 percent. So is the use of herbicides and pesticides. Erosion is also in check.


    The partnership happened almost by accident. Agromin was looking for a new location for one of its facilities. “Limoneira is a leader in sustainable agriculture. When we saw the opportunity to obtain high quality urban mulch from a quality operator, we jumped at the chance,” says Teague. “We are guaranteed, day in and day out, quality materials for our land. Plus, we are helping the environment by keeping waste out of the landfill.”


    The Agromin-Newhall Land partnership is relatively new. Formed in 2007, Agromin maintains a seven-acre green materials recycling facility on the Newhall Ranch. Agromin receives about 250 tons a day of green materials, collected locally from Valencia and the Santa Clarita Valley. The facility produces about 100 tons of mulch which is used on 250 acres of Valencia orange and lemon groves.


    “Before partnering with Agromin, we used synthetic-based fertilizers to maintain our fruit trees,” says Mike Mendes, general manager of agriculture for Newhall Land. “Now we are reusing a sustainable mulch product and reducing expenses at the same time. By working with Agromin, we only incur the expense of spreading the materials.”


    Mendes notes that the company now uses less herbicide since mulch helps prevent weed growth. “Our trees are healthy and the soil fertility has improved. The soil is now full of earthworms,” he says.Creating a sustainable process was also important to Newhall Land when deciding to use recycled green materials for its agriculture operations. “What was once a waste product is now a valuable resource for our company,” says Mendes. “We’re able to use local green materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill, turn it into mulch, and use it locally in our orchards. We are completing the circle of environmental sustainability.”


    Agromin is the green materials recycler for 19 cities in Ventura, Santa Barbara and parts of Los Angeles counties. It receives over 20,000 tons a day of urban green waste (grass clippings, leaves, branches) at its five processing facilities. The materials are then cleaned of plastics, glass, paper and other “non-green” items. It is chopped and spread into long composting rows where it is watered and turned for about 45 days. Tiny microbes transform the green waste into nutrient-rich compost and eventually mulch.


    “Facilities onsite at Limoneira and Newhall make it easy to distribute the mulch directly to the orchards,” says Bill Camarillo, Agromin’s CFO. “Our three other processing locations distribute products to additional ag companies, municipalities, landscapers and to consumers who can buy in bulk or bag.”


    Agromin’s compost complies with the requirements of the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). Agromin is one of only five companies in the country that produces plant-only compost products approved by the non-profit organization. OMRI-listed products may be used in certified organic production or food processing according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Program.


    “OMRI approves the products used to grow or produce organic foods,” explains Camarillo. “Farmers who grow organic products can use our ‘Compost 100’ in their fields as part of their effort to comply with USDA organic standards.” Agromin soil products are also certified by the U.S. Composting Council (USCC). The certification means Agromin has met the USCC standards for compost content and its soil products are clean and safe.


    “We cannot continue to put synthetic products into the soil and expect it to be healthy,” says Teague. “Using mulch made from urban green waste in a natural fit. It’s common sense to work with Mother Nature not against her.” ■

    Labels: , , , ,

  • Agromin wins key organic approval - Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 10:15 AM
  • Certification to help farm sales
    By Jim McLain Wednesday, June 11, 2008
    Ventura County Star

    Agromin Inc., a Camarillo company that uses green waste to manufacture some 250 soil and mulch products, has won a key designation that is expected to boost its sales to the organic farming industry.

    Company officials were notified last month that Agromin products meet the requirements of the nonprofit Organic Materials Review Institute, an executive said.
    The designation means that Agromin's composted products may be used in certified organic production or food processing according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program.

    "This has tremendous potential for us because now this allows us to sell our composted products into the organics agricultural marketplace," said Bill Camarillo, Agromin's chief financial officer. "We had not been able to do that before."

    Agromin is one of only five companies in the country that produce composted products from plants that are approved by the Eugene, Ore.-based organization.

    Camarillo said Agromin will include the OMRI approval in its advertising and packaging labels. The designation, he said, assures growers that Agromin products contain no chemicals or human or animal waste, and it certifies that the company uses composting procedures that kill any pathogens and tests its products regularly.

    The company recycles more than 250,000 tons of green waste annually from businesses and residences in 19 cities in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties, including all 10 in Ventura County. It uses the grass, leaves, branches and other plant material to make a variety of topsoils, soil amendments and mulches for commercial farming operations and backyard gardeners.

    Launched in 1972 as a wholly owned subsidiary of California Wood Recycling Corp. in Ventura, Agromin employs 70 people in six processing facilities in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Company sales last year totaled about $12 million, Camarillo said.
    The OMRI designation should boost sales, he added, because increasing numbers of growers are switching to organic crop production. Organic farmers use fertilizers and pesticides made from plants and animals instead of manufactured chemicals.

    Agromin has strategic partnerships with the Limoneira Co., Newhall Land and Farming Co. and other agricultural companies to turn their green waste into a variety of mulches and soil products for their crops. Because mulches retain moisture, their use enables growers to reduce irrigation, Camarillo said.

    The company also is working to earn green waste recycling agreements with additional cities, he added. He noted that state law requires cities to recycle half their total waste by 2012.

    Camarillo said Agromin is working with the state on a study that the company hopes will show that organic green-waste recycling reduces the release of carbon emissions and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

    Labels: , , , , , , ,