decreases the farm’s reliance on synthetic fertilizer. It also increases the water-holding capacity of the soil, which helps plants grow. “It’s positive for the state of California because we’re taking that (green waste) away from the landfills, and it’s positive for the farm because we’re improving our soil and our productivity and using less inputs,” he says. When the farm transitioned to using drip irrigation to be more efficient with its water use, it also invested in solar infrastructure to reduce reliance on the grid and to generate enough green energy to power its water conservation efforts. Though supporting the environment has been key to the farm’s resilience, Michael says perhaps more important is the company’s investment in its employees. Through its leadership program, the farm has promoted some of its salaried workers to the farm’s management team. The farm also pays for the school supplies of its employees’ children and grandchildren and runs a scholarship program for those entering college or trade school. “On the farm, we transform seeds into food and fiber, and we also get a chance to help transform people into what they want to achieve and help their kids achieve,” Michael says. “It’s just a rewarding part of employing people, is empowering them and empowering their children.”
Ching Lee clee@californiabountiful.com
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