First up on Digging in the Dirt is Dana Jackson, who is the Director of Communications and Development for CT Northeast Organic Farming Association. Prior to joining CT NOFA, he published Edible Nutmeg, a regional magazine focused on western Connecticut’s food community, including farmers, chefs, and locally produced food of all kinds. He also worked for more than a decade as a certified organic farmer in Connecticut, an experience that led him to believe that local food production is the key to building stronger, more resilient communities in our state. Dana is coming here today to tell you about this weeks CT NOFA 44th annual Winter Conference.

My 2nd guest is Sarah Layton Agricultural Programs Coordinator At the Connecticut Resource Conservation & Development Area

She is a Certified Compost Operator, steering committee member of the CT Compost Alliance and the New CT Farmers Alliance, she is also a member of the Deep River Garden Club, and owner of a micro flower farm, Wild Hill Farm, in Deep River CT.
She is here today to talk about the 2026 CT Compost Conference March 19, at Wesleyan University sponsored by the CT COMPOST alliance.

Finally continuing with the subject of composting From the aforementioned Park city compost initiative, (PCCI), I have with me Tim O’Connor Executive Director of Park City Compost Initiative. Since then Tim has secured certification for Solid Waste Facility operations from CT DEEP, the Master Composter certification from UCONN and the Compost Operations Course by US Compost Council.

As Executive Director of Park City Compost Initiative, Tim is all about PCCI's mission to Educate and Activate around aerobic composting.

Tim has served for the past two years on the organizing committee of the CT Compost Alliance who have planned and arranged the March 19th 2026 Ct Compost Conference at Wesleyan University.