organic

I moved to central California as a teenager with the unlikely intention of following the Grateful Dead. I landed instead in the most fertile region of the Golden State. Rich with Salinas Valley loam and Central Valley heat, I arrived in the fruit and vegetable capital of the world. At the same time, organic agriculture was spreading its influence across the bountiful landscape, creeping into strawberry production, baby lettuce mixes, sweet peaches, and pears. California was the cradle of organic agriculture, nurturing an agrarian child that would quickly grow to be a formidable presence.

The term Regenerative Agriculture has generated quite a buzz in the last several months. Farmers, ranchers, and many companies across the U.S. are embracing the term as a way to heal the planet and combat climate change. Some promote it as the next big stage for food and farming calling it “Beyond Organic.” What exactly is this new farming philosophy and will it take root to become the next big food movement? What does it mean for organic? 

The names bluster through in a destructive alphabetical roll call, Harvey, Irma, Jose, and Maria. Like apocalyptic horsemen, the storms sweeping through the Atlantic all reached category four and higher. Fueled by super-warm ocean currents, this unusually active hurricane season provides devastating evidence that our planet is warming. Our climate is changing.

In the words of Gandhi, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” 

This is a time of great transformation, and we can choose to be part of the problem or part of the solution. Lead by example and use this holiday to share with your family and friends, your love for them and the planet.  Make choices that tread lighter on our earth and possibly teach others to become conscious custodians.

A Sustainable System?

I live and work in California, the farming capital of the world; hub of agriculture, intersecting food, chefs, and farmers. It is the state that produces the most food in the country, home to the world’s smallest and largest organic farms, and boasts the greatest diversity in farming systems and farm workers. Yet the lack of food and agricultural literacy is tremendous, and the bond between the farm worker and the eater is ill understood.