The vermicompost industry (i.e. composting using worms) is not new, yet somehow still in its infancy. I think that is about to change in a very large and global way. The public understanding of what vermicomposting is and why its results are so amazing is growing yearly. The techniques and technology are getting better, too. So, at the beginning of 2021, I examined vermicomposting and vermiculture (i.e. growing and multiplying worms) and wondered what I could do to help the community.
I experimented with the idea of bringing worm news onto this site and highlighting interesting projects, personalities and businesses. I unfortunately need to wrap up this experiment. While I will continue to post about worms from time to time, it can't be a major focus.
The experiment taught me a lot and this article captures some of those lessons.
Worm Business: A V continues to be my go-to YouTube channel for worm videos. Worm news, though, is sparse, and I didn't have the time or energy to do original journalism. It's amazing how much vermiculture news happens in places like India. They have really embraced the techniques and are seeing positive results, such as Faridpur Women Make Extra Earning by Producing Vermicompost.
Speaking of making money from vermicomost, one of my favourite stories I discovered was about a childcare centre's worm farm that funds its library. The kids' business efforts raised enough money to bring in the new books they wanted. That sort of self-directed learning seems to be exactly the kind of thing Seth Godin is looking for in education.
There are a lot of amazing business people working in vermiculture. I'm continually amazed by Paul Picciirillo of Worm Farming Revealed, who is a creative force of nature! Skid Row Heron Vermiculture's amazing community approach to vermiculture blows me away.
There are also incredibly generous people who build their business but also build the community. Bently Christie of Red Worm Composting - WAY Too Much Fun With Worms is a terrific Canadian exemplar. Heather Rindaldi of Texas Worm Ranch does a huge amount of outreach and education, even during the latest health scare.
I also did some research that included looking at what purports to be a global market research report, though I have my doubts.