Dave Green from Agromin, Inc. and Food Forward’s team - Ayden and Madi

 

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Nearly half of the food produced in the U.S. ends up in landfills, costing over $200 billion annually and contributing to 6% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. California, a leading agricultural economy, imports $160 billion in food, yet food waste releases 170 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and occupies a quarter of landfill space. Meanwhile, 17% of U.S. households face food insecurity. Can we shift to a circular food system that strengthens communities and fosters climate resilience? Today, we’ll hear from two innovators redefining waste and promoting sustainable solutions.

As Agromin’s Chief Operating Officer, Dave is responsible for the transformation of organics into high value compost and mulch for use in sustainable agriculture, landscape and retail marketplaces. He has leveraged his expertise to position Agromin for growth while maintaining a balance between environmental compliance and business opportunities. During his tenure, Dave has developed programs to effectively market, sell and distribute over 10 million cubic-yards of mulch, compost and soil amendments.

Dave joined Agromin in 1999 and brought with him over 20 years of extensive business and compliance management experience with Southern California Gas Company, operating in highly regulated environments.

Born and raised in Simi Valley, California, Dave earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Redlands. He takes pride in working for one of the largest organics recyclers in California and an innovative provider of sustainable organic products. Dave says, “We are always looking for new technologies that can repurpose organic material to benefit not only our customers but the environment.”Bill Camarillo is CEO of Agromin, the largest organics recycler in California. He remains passionate about organics recycling and regenerative soil science after 25 years in the industry. As the CEO of Agromin, he plays a key role in pioneering sustainability through organics conversion. Agromin sells over 200 eco-friendly organic soil products, which range across the retail, agriculture, landscape and energy sectors, are the earth-friendly result of the over 1M tons of organic waste materials converted each year by the company.

Food Forward fights hunger and prevents food waste by rescuing fresh surplus produce, connecting this abundance with people experiencing food insecurity, and inspiring others to do the same. They collect fresh, surplus fruits and vegetables from backyard fruit trees, public and commercial orchards, farmers markets, and the downtown Los Angeles Wholesale Produce District, donating this bounty to hunger relief organizations across 13 California counties that include Los Angeles and Ventura, along with 7 adjacent states and tribal lands. Today we have two representatives with us from Food Forward’s team - Ayden Mallory, Farmers Market Recovery Coordinator and Madi Kay, Volunteer Coordinator. 

Ayden Mallory’s passion for community resilience and food justice stems from a deep intrigue of food systems. Growing up she committed her summers to participating in local food systems—either working in the dirt as a farm hand or rolling out dough in bakeries. Ayden landed at Food Forward over a year ago as the Ventura County Farmers Market Recovery Coordinator. She believes farmers markets are a microcosm of community capacity and an important place for abundance to be shared!

Madi Kay realized the power that food equity has to strengthen and empower communities while making sandwiches at the Isla Vista Food Cooperative during her college days. She has since dedicated her career to helping get nutritious food into the hands of those who need it most. She’s delved into a number of different avenues for improving our food system—startups, food cooperatives, farms, nonprofits, mutual aid groups—and is currently engaging community members with the sustainable food movement as Volunteer Coordinator at Food Forward!  

This presentation highlights key issues in support of American Recycles Day (November 15) and World Food Day (October 16). To support Food Forward’s efforts locally - volunteer or donate food or money - visit foodforward.org.