Ventura County will host a two-field series about regenerative ag this May, bringing together growers, ag researchers and sustainability leaders to explore the future of the region’s specialty crops.
The series will be presented in partnership with the Ecological Farming Association, and will allow attendees to examine practical approaches to regenerative farming across avocados, citrus and strawberries — three cornerstone crops in Ventura County.
The series will begin May 4 at Rancho Dos Hermanas in Fillmore, where participants will explore regenerative strategies in orchard systems, putting a focus on soil health, biodiversity and water management. The second event will take place May 11 at McGrath Family fam in Camarillo. This event, in partnership with the Rodale Institute, will highlight regenerative approaches to strawberry production that support long-term productivity and ecological resilience.
“Ventura County has long been an agricultural leader, and growers here are increasingly interested in systems that work with nature rather than against it,” Nina Morris Thomson, Co-Fournder of Ranco Dog Hermanas. “This series is designed to bring farmers and scientists together to share knowledge, exchange ideas and strengthen the future of agriculture in our region.”
People speaking and contributing to the event include:
• Dr. Jonathan Lundgren, Founder of the Ecdysis Foundation and the 1000 Farm Initiative
• Tony Serrano, regenerative organic certified farmer, Salinas Valley
Phil McGrath, McGrath Family Farms
• Researchers from Cal Poly Pomona studying diversified orchard systems
• Experts in pest management, irrigation efficiency, biodiversity and organic certification