Ventura County Farmers and Researchers Convene to Explore the Future of Regenerative Agriculture

Two-Part Field Series to Spotlight Innovation in Avocados, Citrus, and Strawberries

This May, Ventura County will host a dynamic two-part field series bringing together farmers, agricultural researchers, and sustainability leaders to explore the growing role of regenerative agriculture in shaping the future of the region’s specialty crops. 

Designed as an interactive, on-the-ground experience, the series presented in partnership with the Ecological Farming Association will convene growers, scientists, consultants, and agricultural organizations to examine practical, science-based approaches to regenerative farming across avocados, citrus, and strawberries—three cornerstone crops of Ventura County’s agricultural economy. 

The series will begin on May 4 at Rancho Dos Hermanas in Fillmore, where participants will explore regenerative strategies in orchard systems, with a focus on soil health, biodiversity, and water management. The second event will take place on May 11 at McGrath Family Farm in Camarillo, in partnership with the Rodale Institute, and will highlight regenerative approaches to strawberry production that support long-term productivity and ecological resilience. 

Together, these events aim to foster meaningful collaboration between growers and researchers while showcasing real-world solutions to some of agriculture’s most pressing challenges—including water constraints, evolving weather patterns, and the need for more resilient farming systems. 

“Ventura County has long been an agricultural leader, and growers here are increasingly interested in systems that work with nature rather than against it,” said Tina Morris Thomson, co- founder of Rancho Dos Hermanas and host of the May 4 field day. “This series is designed to bring farmers and scientists together to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and strengthen the future of agriculture in our region.” 

Regenerative agriculture takes a holistic look at the land, emphasizing practices that aim to improve soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem function over time while allowing growers to adapt their approach to their specific crops and environmental conditions. It shares core goals with organic agriculture, and can build on organic principles by offering additional tools to strengthen resilience and long-term farm viability. 

“At EcoFarm, we believe the future of agriculture depends on strong relationships between farmers, researchers, and local communities,” said Katya Baty, Marketing and Communications Manager at the Ecological Farming Association. “These field days cultivate a space for practical learning and meaningful collaboration to build more resilient, regenerative food systems.” 

Featured Speakers & Contributors 

The series will feature leading voices in regenerative agriculture, including: 

• 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 

Participants will engage in grower panels, technical breakout sessions, and guided on-farm tours—offering a firsthand look at regenerative practices in action and creating space for peer-to-peer learning and dialogue. Explore the full conference agenda. 

Key Topics 

Across both events, discussions will focus on: 

• Soil health and regenerative orchard management 
• Cover cropping and biodiversity integration 
• Integrated pest and disease management, including alternatives to conventional pesticides 
• Irrigation efficiency and water stewardship 
• Labor systems and community support in agriculture 
• Supply chains and market access for regenerative products 

“Our goal is to create a space where growers can share real experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another,” said Carla Rosin. “The future of agriculture depends on collaboration—between farmers, scientists, and the broader community.” 

Education credits will be available for agricultural professionals, including DPR and Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) credits. Learn more and register at: 

https://www.eco-farm.org/regenerative-avocados-citrus-and-strawberries-conference.

Event Details 

Day One – Avocado & Citrus Field Day 

May 4, 2026 

Rancho Dos Hermanas 

Fillmore, California 

Day Two – Strawberry Production Field Day 

May 11, 2026 

McGrath Family Farm / Rodale Institute 

Camarillo, California 

About EcoFarm 

The Ecological Farming Association is a 46 year old non-profit educational organization. EcoFarm’s mission is to nurture safe, healthy, just, and ecologically sustainable farms, food systems, and communities by bringing people together for education, alliance building, advocacy, and celebration. Our programs bring together a diversity of stakeholders in California food production to promote grassroots leadership and regional solutions to decrease the negative impacts of industrial agriculture on environmental and community health. EcoFarm operates the largest sustainable agriculture conference west of the Mississippi every January. 

About Rancho Dos Hermanas 

Rancho Dos Hermanas is a family-operated agricultural and land conservation property in Fillmore, California, founded by sisters Tina Morris Thomson and Laurie Morris Smith. The ranch is dedicated to transitioning from conventional to sustainable citrus and avocado production while advancing land stewardship, conservation, and regenerative agricultural practices. 

About McGrath Family Farm 

McGrath Family Farms has been a cornerstone of the Oxnard Plains since the 1860s. Certified organic since 1995 and part of the National Organic Program since its inception in 2002, the farm is deeply committed to education and regenerative organic agriculture. In 2020, the Rodale Institute established a flagship California operation on the property.