The Paicines Ranch Learning Center and their health care partners are pleased host the 2nd annual Health from the Soil Up Learning Lab at Paicines Ranch.

The Learning Lab will take place May 17th - 19th at Paicines Ranch, a regenerative farm and ranch located about one hour south of San Jose. We would love to have you join us and a curated group of practitioners, educators, researchers, funders, students and innovators from public health (medicine) and agriculture to spark dialogue, knowledge acquisition, and collaboration between these two fields.

Farms shape our health through nutrients, soil, water, air, climate, economy, and community and yet it is surprising how little is known about these connections. One major reason for this knowledge gap is that human health experts rarely enter into a dialogue with agricultural experts about which foods to grow, and how they should be grown, processed, and distributed. More collaboration between these fields is needed to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer; build health equity; offer nutrient-dense food to a growing population; and protect and restore the environment.

This innovative and immersive Learning Lab will enable and inspire attendees to explore common ground and find solutions that nourish people by nourishing the soil.

Through hands-on, field-based exercises and workshops, you will work together with other attendees to:

Understand the complex biochemical, microbial, and social pathways connecting soil health and human health.

You will learn about optimal farming ecosystems for producing nutrient-dense foods and preserving healthy food traditions. You will also explore which agricultural systems best ensure nutrient security and healthy microbial networks while reducing antibiotics misuse, food waste, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Build enduring connections.

With the group, you will develop a common language for the science that informs your interdisciplinary work in “health-centered” agriculture and participate in a collaborative support network.

Inoculate collaborative action.

You will discuss and explore place-based solutions for “health-centered” agriculture.

Registration Cost

The full registration fee, payable to the Paicines Ranch Learning Center, is $450 and covers the cost of programming, materials and food. Lodging is separate (see below). When you register on Eventbrite, you will have the following options to pay the registration fee:

Pay the full registration fee - $450
Pay half the registration fee (available based on financial need) - $225
Add on a ‘fork-it-over-for-a-farmer/student’ donation to help ensure the attendance of an active and engaged participant whose voice and perspective are crucially important to this innovative event

If you need your full registration fee waived based on your financial needs, please email megan@paicinesranch.com with your request and we will follow up with next steps.

Lodging Options

Lodging at the historic Paicines Ranch is also booked via Eventbrite. You have the following options at Paicines Ranch:

Private room x2 nights - $275 + tax/fees
Shared room x2 nights - $150 + tax/fees
Camping/RV space - $20

Alternative local lodging options are also available. Please contact any of the below for more information:

Ridgemark - 10 miles from Ranch - (831) 637-8151
Best Western - located in Hollister, 15 miles from Ranch - (831) 637-9248
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott - located in Hollister, 15 miles from Ranch - (831) 634-1101

Start & End Time

Attendees are encouraged to attend the full 2-day event at Paicines Ranch May 17th - 19th. We'll begin at noon on May 17 and conclude at noon on May 19.

Ready to Sign Up?

We're excited you are on board! Please register on this page and we will follow up soon with next steps.

Space is limited. Attendance for the Learning Lab is limited to a small group of 25 committed persons and on a registration-priority basis.

If you feel that there is someone who would be an ideal addition to the Learning Lab, please share their name and contact information with us. If space is available, we’d be happy to extend the invitation to your recommendation.

Thank you for your interest and please let us know if you have any additional questions. A detailed schedule and syllabus will be shared with registered attendees prior to the event.

We look forward to having you join us!

Registration Cost

Lodging Options

Start & End Time

Ready to Sign Up?

~Daphne Miller, MD, Nikki Silvestri, Megan Mendenhall, Elaine Patarini, Kelly Mulville

Health From the Soil Up Learning Lab