Mentorship Program Grows Next-Generation Farmers

The Expanding Our Roots program pairs experienced California producers with new farmers to share knowledge and ensure future success.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Expanding Our Roots mentorship program, created by the California Bountiful Foundation, connects beginning farmers and ranchers in California with experienced producers to share practical, real-world knowledge and help the next generation of growers succeed. The program pairs mentors with 10+ years of experience with mentees who have 1-10 years of farming experience, covering topics like production planning, business management, market access, regulations, risk management, and more.

Why it matters

Ensuring new farmers have the support they need is essential to maintain California's leadership in agriculture. The future of the state's food system depends on the next generation building viable businesses, but beginning farmers face rising costs, regulatory complexity, and evolving markets. The mentorship program aims to facilitate peer learning and knowledge transfer to strengthen California agriculture.

The details

Through one-on-one mentorship, participants discuss real challenges growers face in their operations. Mentors and mentees work through topics such as production planning, business management, market access, navigating regulations, managing risk, adopting climate-smart practices, and accessing resources and grants. The program also hosts educational workshops where mentors, mentees, and other farmers can come together for focused discussions on key agriculture topics.

  • The Expanding Our Roots mentorship program was created by the California Bountiful Foundation in 2026.
  • As of March 2026, the program has enrolled a total of 246 farmers and ranchers across 46 counties in California.

The players

California Bountiful Foundation

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and education arm of the California Farm Bureau, which created the Expanding Our Roots mentorship program.

Nicholas Atchley

A farmer in Ventura County who gained a 'much better understanding of water hydraulics and irrigation management' through the mentorship program.

Carol Thong

A farmer in Sonoma County who worked with mentor Andrew Forchini, a winegrape grower, to better understand vineyard operations and identify ways to reduce costs.

Ben Lyons

A farmer in Solano County who described the mentorship program as 'a lifeline for those who may feel overwhelmed by this new endeavor.'

Michael O'Gorman

A longtime leader in agriculture mentorship and former executive director of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, who has worked with the Expanding Our Roots program to guide veterans interested in farming and ranching.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The Expanding Our Roots mentorship program demonstrates the essential role that experienced farmers can play in guiding and supporting the next generation of California producers, helping them navigate the challenges of entering agriculture and build viable, sustainable businesses that will secure the future of the state's food system.