Solutions in Our Soil – From Science to Practice

The Solutions in our Soil webinar series has explored what soil health means and why it’s so important, how it’s connected to water, and where we can promote soil health throughout the food supply chain. This fourth and final webinar will focus on soil health practices on the ground and how soils are integral to climate-resilient agriculture.

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Panelists:

Katie Chiapuzio: Director of Environmental Science and Resources, Braga Fresh

Katie Chiapuzio is the Director of Environmental Science and Resources for Braga Fresh. She holds a degree in Environmental Science, Technology and Policy from Cal State Monterey Bay. Before beginning her career at Braga, she worked in habitat restoration and apiculture. She’s been with Braga for almost 4 years and manages all ESG data analysis and compliance as well as on-farm research, apiary maintenance and all sustainability projects and grant pursual.

Justin Wylie: Fifth-generation Farmer and Partner, Wylie Farms

Justin Wylie is a fifth-generation farmer and partner at Wylie Farms, a family business specializing in regenerative farm management of pistachios, almonds, and citrus. Growing up in Merced, Justin developed a deep appreciation for farming, inspired by his father Craig Wylie and uncle Chris Wylie, who have been devoted to pistachio farming since the 1970s under the mentorship of the renowned pistachio legend, Bob Peterson. When he’s not at home with his wife and four children on their organic Golden Nugget ranch, Justin dedicates his time to farming his own organic pistachio orchards in Madera, California. Alongside his farming responsibilities, Justin serves on the American Pistachio Growers sustainability committee, leveraging his expertise and efforts to promote regenerative practices in the industry.

Moderated by: Elliot Grant, Central Coast Project Manager, Sustainable Conservation

Elliot recently graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a double major in Economics and Environmental Studies, concentrating in Agroecology. At U.C. Santa Cruz he worked for the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) as a student assistant at the Chadwick Garden. Before that, he was a farm hand for Route One Farms, a 40-acre organic vegetable farm in Santa Cruz County. Elliot was raised in Marin County and currently resides in Santa Cruz where he enjoys surfing, fishing, and growing flowers.