CREATING VALUE CHAINS FOR SOIL HEALTH AND RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS IN WARREN COUNTY

Abstract

This Master’s Project aims to support Working Landscapes, a rural development nonprofit based in Warren County, NC, in developing a food waste recovery enterprise to handle food scraps from their food processing operation called ByWay Foods. Our project has two main objectives: 1) identify the best model for processing ByWay Foods’ vegetable waste stream to maximize economic, environmental, and social benefits in Warren County and 2) develop a business plan to guide the creation of this food waste recovery enterprise. To achieve these goals, we researched various alternative food waste recovery strategies including composting, vermicomposting, and biochar through literature review and interviews with experts and practitioners. Based on our client’s values and priorities, we selected a mixed-model compost and vermicompost operation as the optimal strategy for our client to create value from ByWay Foods’ food scraps. The result of our project is a business plan that guides Working Landscapes in the implementation of this new social enterprise that will enhance environmental, economic, and social value in the communities they serve.