Our Takeaways from EcoFarm 2025
Credit: EcoFarm
As part of Measure to Improve's (MTI) commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture solutions, our Director of Agronomic Services, Kyle Cosgrove, attended the 45th Annual EcoFarm Conference in Pacific Grove, CA.
The conference brought together leading voices in sustainable agriculture, from pioneering farmers to research scientists, offering opportunities to connect with USDA Climate Smart grant participants and innovative vendors for our grower-support initiatives.
Continue reading for some of our key takeaways from the conference.
Honoring Tradition, Embracing Innovation
A central theme at EcoFarm 2025 was the balance between honoring traditional farming wisdom while embracing today's innovations. As Dru Rivers of Full Belly Farm noted, "We are looking ahead and behind at the same time." This philosophy was echoed by UC Berkeley's Professor Miguel Altieri, who reminded us that diversified farming systems have existed worldwide for centuries—we can learn from these models while refining them with today's technology and research.
From sessions on integrated pest management and soil health to real-world examples of adaptive farming, EcoFarm reinforced that sustainability isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it's about finding strategies that work for specific crops, climates, and business models.
Practical Solutions for Today's Challenges
One of the most valuable aspects of EcoFarm is its emphasis on practical, field-tested solutions. Key innovations discussed this year included:
Key advances in sustainable farming practices included:
Precision farming tools and techniques that improve efficiencies and help farm operations scale while maintaining ecological principles
Implementation of high-density, short-duration livestock grazing enhances agro-ecological systems ability to cycle biomass and nutrients, control pests and diseases, and suppress wildfire.
Integration of biological products and agro-ecological principles in cropping systems are effective tools to control pests and diseases
A standout example came from New Zealand's vineyard industry, where 100% of growers utilize sheep grazing—an approach made possible through trellising, training, and irrigation adjustments. This demonstrates how small and minor changes to on-farm systems can lead to big sustainability wins.
Another exciting innovation came from ‘farm-ng’ Nathan Dorn, who highlighted how small farms can adopt cutting-edge technology to scale operations without sacrificing ecological values.
Strengthening Industry Connections
EcoFarm also provided an invaluable space for collaboration with key partners and USDA Climate Smart Grant participants. We connected with:
Courtney Mellblom, FarmerMaid Flowers
These connections and conversations were insightful dives into practical applications of sustainable farming methods and potential partnerships for future projects.
From Left: Kyle Batoor-Cosgrove, MTI, Anastasia Kilham, Verdad Wines, and Cal Poly Organic Farm (CPOF) Alumni Nathan Harkleroad-ALBA.
Industry Challenges and Opportunities
As much as EcoFarm celebrates innovation and successes, it also sheds light on the challenges growers face. Among the top concerns raised were:
Increasing regulatory costs (reaching approximately $1600/acre in some cases)
Water regulation impacts on farmland values
Labor availability and rising costs
Competition from international markets
Despite these hurdles, the industry continues to evolve and move forward. The Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) Roadmap session outlined California's goal of phasing out priority pesticides by 2050, reflecting the demand for more sustainable farming solutions.
EcoFarm reminds us that adaptability, innovation, and collaboration are essential. As Tom Willey of T&D Willey Farms put it, "Everyone who eats is a farmer," – demonstrating the interconnected nature of our food system and the importance of collective action in advancing sustainable agriculture.
Corn: Dent Corn from Mexico, EcoFarm Seed Exchange
Why EcoFarm Matters
For agriculture professionals seeking to stay ahead of industry trends and connect with leading innovators, EcoFarm provides important insights into emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and sustainable practices that will shape the future of farming. The blend of practical workshops, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities makes it an invaluable experience for anyone involved in sustainable agriculture.
EcoFarm continues to be a crucial platform for driving innovation and collaboration in sustainable farming. As we face growing environmental challenges and changing market demands, the connections and knowledge shared at this conference have become increasingly valuable for creating resilient, sustainable agricultural systems.
MTI is grateful for the opportunity to participate and engage with such an inspiring community.