Limoneira Partners with Agromin for Major Organic Recycling Facility Expansion
Limoneira Partners Company (Nasdaq: LMNR), a leading diversified citrus grower, packer, and marketer with additional operations in agribusiness and real estate development, has announced a transformative step forward in its sustainability journey. The company has entered into a letter of intent with Agromin Corporation, California’s largest organic waste recycler, to form a 50/50 joint venture that will significantly expand their already successful organic waste recycling program.
The proposed joint venture aims to transition from the current 15-acre composting facility located at Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula to a much larger, 70-acre commercial-scale composting operation. Limoneira Partners This new facility will be capable of processing both green waste and food waste, marking a substantial leap forward in both scale and environmental impact.
This initiative represents a long-term strategic commitment by both Limoneira and Agromin to address California’s pressing waste management and climate challenges, while also generating robust financial returns. According to projections, the first year of operations at the expanded facility is expected to contribute approximately $5.0 million in EBITDA, which will be equally divided between the two partners. Over the next decade, annual EBITDA contributions are anticipated to grow to approximately $9.0 million, maintaining the same 50/50 profit-sharing arrangement.
As part of the joint venture agreement, Limoneira will lease the 70-acre site to the newly formed entity for approximately $600,000 per year. Limoneira Partners This move not only supports the infrastructure needs of the composting facility but also strengthens Limoneira’s rental operations as a consistent revenue-generating division within the company.
Harold Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer of Limoneira Partners Company, expressed strong optimism and enthusiasm about the partnership. “This collaboration demonstrates Limoneira’s unwavering commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental innovation,” Edwards said. “By expanding our relationship with Agromin, we’re taking a leadership role in managing California’s organic waste more responsibly. We’re also enriching our own agricultural lands by creating nutrient-rich compost that boosts soil health, conserves water, and promotes more efficient farming.”
The current composting operation between Limoneira Partners and Agromin has already shown notable success. The existing facility processes green waste from throughout the region and transforms it into high-quality mulch. This mulch is then used on Limoneira’s citrus groves and other agricultural properties. It plays a crucial role in the company’s regenerative farming practices by improving soil structure, retaining moisture, reducing weed growth, and protecting topsoil against erosion. The mulch also contributes to lower surface temperatures in the fields, a growing concern as climate change intensifies.
The new expansion takes this effort to the next level. Once completed, the 70-acre facility is expected to process up to 295,000 tons of organic waste per year, including both green waste and food waste. Limoneira Partners This is particularly significant given the increasing need for sustainable food waste solutions across California. Under state legislation such as SB 1383, California has enacted aggressive targets to reduce short-lived climate pollutants, including methane from organic waste in landfills. The joint venture between Limoneira and Agromin directly supports these state goals.
A major milestone that helped propel the project forward was the awarding of a $10 million grant in December 2024 from the State of California’s CalRecycle Organics Grant Program. This program, operated by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), aims to expand the state’s composting infrastructure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Limoneira Partners The grant funding is expected to cover a significant portion of the development costs required to transition the facility from a green waste-only operation to a fully permitted food waste composting site.
According to the companies, the development of the facility has involved more than 15 years of planning, community engagement, and permitting. This lengthy process reflects the complex environmental, operational, and regulatory requirements necessary to establish a food waste processing facility at this scale. The construction is expected to begin in Limoneira’s fiscal year 2025, with phased completion continuing into 2026.
For Limoneira, this new composting facility aligns closely with its broader business objectives. As a company long rooted in agricultural innovation, Limoneira has consistently sought ways to integrate sustainability into its operations—not just as a corporate responsibility but also as a core driver of long-term value. The enhanced availability of compost will improve the health and productivity of the company’s farmland, especially in drought-prone regions. With climate resilience becoming increasingly important, practices that improve water retention and soil quality are essential to sustaining citrus production in the future.
Meanwhile, for Agromin, the joint venture provides a significant opportunity to scale its waste recycling efforts and to play a key role in California’s food waste diversion goals. Agromin’s expertise in composting and regulatory compliance will be critical in navigating the complex operational aspects of food waste management at this new scale. As the largest organic waste recycler in California, Agromin brings decades of experience in sustainable materials management.
Together,Limoneira Partners and Agromin represent a powerful partnership between agriculture and environmental stewardship. By turning organic waste into high-value compost, they are creating a circular model that benefits farms, communities, and the planet. Their work not only diverts waste from landfills and reduces methane emissions but also returns carbon to the soil—an essential strategy in the fight against climate change.
In summary, the Limoneira-Agromin joint venture signals a bold new chapter in the integration of sustainable waste recycling into mainstream agriculture. With strong financial backing, proven operational models, and the support of state grants, the 70-acre facility is set to become a cornerstone of California’s organic recycling infrastructure. As it moves forward, Limoneira Partners the project is expected to deliver strong returns for shareholders, improved outcomes for farmers, and measurable benefits for the environment.
This pioneering partnership stands as a model for other agricultural and environmental stakeholders looking to bridge profitability and sustainability.Limoneira Partners With construction on the horizon and long-term plans firmly in place, Limoneira and Agromin are positioning themselves at the forefront of a more sustainable and regenerative future for California and beyond.
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