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University student creates business out of worm poop; targeting marijuana growers

Published:Saturday | December 9, 2017 | 12:00 AM
BYU student Joseph Walker was named the winner of the 2017 Utah Regional Global Student Entrepreneur Awards with his company, OmniEarth, an organic fertilizer company based out of Provo, Utah. A sample is pictured here. He said "The largest impact this product is making is in the medical marijuana market. - AP Photo

SALT LAKE CITY (AP):
An entrepreneurial student at Brigham Young University is generating buzz and earning accolades for his speciality organic fertiliser targeted for marijuana growers.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports 22-year-old Joseph Walker created the company OmniEarth to make fertiliser from worm castings - the technical term for worm poop.

Walker says the initial idea sounded absurd at first, but the more he researched, the more he discovered it could be viable.

The research for Walker's startup company has been aided by cash prizes won in three student entrepreneurship competitions this year.

Walker's business plan is aimed at the fast growing marijuana industry whose growers often prefer organic and pesticide-free products.

Walker says his product is also effective for other businesses in the greenhouse, lawn care and gardening industry.