2026 Growers Roundtable: “Feed the Earth So the Earth May Feed You”

In the natural world, there is no such thing as waste! A healthy ecosystem operates as a “closed loop” where the byproducts of one organism become essential nutrients for another. It’s how seemingly lowly worm poop and fallen leaves can turn into the richest soil that supports all those luscious veggies that we love!

How can we bring this circular approach to our gardens and farms, and move away from “throughput” systems that create garbage? Join local experts to dive into the wild world of composting, nutrient cycling, and regenerative agriculture. They will each present a different aspect of a “circular economy” and then we’ll open the discussion up to a lively Q&A. (Bios below!)

Let’s learn how we can all work to “close the loop” in our backyards, farms, and municipalities.

This event is free, but we do ask that you consider making a donation $1-$25 to support our work.

Please register to reserve your spot, receive reminders, and donate:
https://events.humanitix.com/growers-roundtable-2026

Meet our Panelists:

Eileen Banyra is the Founder of the Community Compost Co and Hudson Soil Co, which are local women-owned businesses that seek to “close the loop” on waste, combat climate change, and improve soil health through the power of composting. Eileen’s businesses collect organic materials from communities across the region, and transform them into high-quality compost products. communitycompostco.com

Betty Bastidas is an Ecuadorian-American award-winning filmmaker, media educator, and land steward with over 15 years of experience working alongside immigrant and BIPOC communities. She is the Executive Director of Newburgh Sanctuary, where she integrates ecological restoration, food justice, youth workforce development, and arts and cultural programming to advance community well-being at Crystal Lake. newburghsanctuary.org

Elizabeth Marks works with farmers and landowners to improve soil health and biological diversity on their land. She served as a regional soil health specialist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. She is also an expert on climate change adaption in agriculture, and a certified Holistic Management (HM) educator. holisticmanagement.org/educator/elizabeth-marks

Gabino Bautista is a Mexican immigrant farmer based in Esopus, NY. Together with his family, he started Green Life Family Farm, a diversified vegetable and chicken farm that sells at markets and collaborates with a local food bank, ensuring that low-income families have access to healthy, local food.