On September 16, the CALE team had the opportunity to bring together nearly 50 people at Olivewood Gardens for a day centered on climate smart and regenerative agriculture. We welcomed land seekers, farmers, land stewards, stakeholders, and technical assistance providers, all bringing their own experiences, questions, and hopes for the future of agriculture in our region.
We started the day with a presentation from Pedro Rioseco of Advancing Eco Agriculture, who shared his knowledge of regenerative agriculture, soil health, plant nutrition, and building healthier and more resilient farms. Pedro’s presentation sparked a lot of interest, and it was great to see attendees engaged throughout the conversation.
We also had a wonderful panel discussion moderated by Areli Perez of the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County. Brandon S. Johnson of Project New Village, Paul Maschka of Wild Willow Farm, and Joey Reyes of Olivewood Gardens each brought a different perspective and personal experience to the conversation. Hearing from people who are actively working in farming, food systems, community engagement, and land stewardship made the discussion feel especially relevant to the people in the room.
In the afternoon, Soil to Soul led us through a visioning workshop. This was a favorite part of the day for many of us because it gave everyone a chance to step back from the practical details and think about what they want to create. Participants were thoughtful and engaged as they imagined what the future of their farms, land, and communities could look like.
For us, the most meaningful part of the event was seeing people connect. Land seekers were able to meet farmers and organizations, participants were able to share resources and experiences, and new conversations began that we hope will continue long after the event. Click here to watch a recap video of the event!
We are so grateful to everyone who spent the day with us, shared their knowledge, asked questions, and helped create such a welcoming space. We are excited to continue the conversation at our upcoming Land Equity and Access event in Ventura on October 28. This event will focus on what comes after finding and securing land, with opportunities to learn about resources, support, and the practical steps involved in building a sustainable future on the land. We would love to see many of you there and continue building these connections together. Click here for registration and details.