Farming for the Future: Water, Soil and Sustainability

Join SSU students in their Agroecology class as they explore the intersection of water, soil and remedial approaches to farming in our state with Sustainable Conservation. California is among the top 10 agricultural economies in the world and produces the majority of the nation's fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and dairy. At the same time, we place a very high value on our natural environment, for its intrinsic value, importance to healthy communities, and recreation. What new steps can we take to better steward the resources we all (people, wildlife, and farms) depend upon for a more sustainable water future and climate-resilient California? 

This talk explores the science, adoption, and drivers of farming practices in California that offer powerful, promising solutions for farm productivity, water quality and supply, air quality, and ecosystem services. Even as climate pressure and extreme weather events intensify, we have an increasing number of tools to rebalance agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship.

Presenter: Dr. Josette Lewis is the CEO of Sustainable Conservation, a consensus-building nonprofit dedicated to working in collaboration with diverse sectors to catalyze conservation success. She assumed that role in the beginning of 2026, coming to the organization from the Almond Board of California (ABC), where she served as Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer. At ABC, she oversaw its water stewardship programs and spearheaded the California Pollinator Coalition, a first-of-its-kind partnership among agriculture, conservation organizations, and government agencies to protect threatened pollinator species.

This event is hosted by Sonoma State University. For more information, visit: https://cei.sonoma.edu/farming