Who Is Applying? Understanding the Motivations and Challenges of Participants in Incentive Programs for Compost Application: Progress Report

This project examines participation in compost incentive programs, focusing on the Washington State Department of Agriculture Compost Reimbursement Program. While compost application is widely recognized for soil health benefits, adoption remains limited due to high costs. Incentive programs aim to address these barriers, but evidence from similar programs suggests participation may be uneven across farm types.

The research analyzes program data, interviews, and surveys to understand who participates, who does not, and why. Early findings from 2024 program data indicate that a substantial share of compost applications occurred on very small acreages, suggesting different participation patterns than seen in California programs. The project is also developing interview protocols and recruitment materials, with interviews planned following institutional review approval.

Future work will include qualitative interviews with participants and non-participants and a broader survey to capture motivations, barriers, and demographic characteristics. Findings will inform recommendations to improve program design, equity, and adoption of compost practices in agriculture.