Interns Explore Sustainable Composting at Grow Antigua Compost Factory by Shenequa Williams

Day 17 – Interns in the Ministry of Agriculture’s internship programme recently visited Grow Antigua Compost Factory, where they learned how organic waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost through sustainable practices.

The tour was led by Mr. John Wuilliez, owner of Grow Antigua Compost Factory, who shared his vision of expanding his homestead operation into a commercial composting facility. He explained that food waste collected from Curtain Bluff and Hodges Bay is combined with grass, leaves and other organic materials before undergoing a carefully managed composting process. The compost is regularly turned, monitored for temperature and moisture, screened, cured, and finally packaged into 30-pound bags for sale.

Mr. Wuilliez shared that he has been making compost for 25 years and began selling it from his backyard in 2021 before relocating to his current site in March 2024. Since moving, he has completed 50 compost batches at the new location, following 54 batches at his previous site.

Interns also visited his demonstration garden, where Scotch bonnet peppers are grown using only compost and natural fertilizers. The visit highlighted the importance of composting in reducing food waste, improving soil health and promoting sustainable agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda.