Let's be honest, farming can sound... traditional. Lots of dirt, long hours, and for many, a not-so-great reputation for chemical use. But in California's Monterey County, one farm is rewriting the script, literally growing a new generation of agriculturalists who are less about chemicals and more about climate.
Enter Regenerate 68! Farm, a place where berries and veggies aren't just food; they're a living, breathing lesson in how to grow things better. Currently Certified Organic, they're aiming for the gold standard: Regenerative Organic certification. Think of it as farming's version of a Michelin star, but for the planet.
Kristin Coates, the Co-Founder and CEO, has a pretty clear vision. Her own kids, like many young people, weren't exactly thrilled by the idea of traditional farming, largely thanks to the chemical parade. So, she decided to build an alternative.
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Her nonprofit, Regenerative California, is turning Regenerate 68! Farm into a "living classroom." They're talking to local universities and vocational schools, essentially saying, "Hey, forget the textbooks for a bit. Come get your hands dirty and learn how to farm in a way that actually helps the climate."
And it turns out, young people are into it. Coates notes they're excited about collecting data, measuring environmental impact, and — perhaps most tellingly — starting their own businesses in this greener agriculture space. Because who doesn't love a good spreadsheet, especially when it proves you're saving the planet?
Schools like Rancho Cielo, which works with 16-to-24-year-olds, are seeing the light. When their students visit, they don't just see a farm; they see a blueprint for new jobs, new livelihoods, and a future where farming isn't just productive, but regenerative. Which, if you think about it, is pretty darn cool.
