Paso Robles, Calif., March 31, 2025 – Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), addressed the new CDFA definition of Regenerative Agriculture at a community event held at Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles on Monday, March 24th. During her remarks to over 100 industry guests, Secretary Ross emphasized the importance of regenerative farming practices and their potential impact on the agricultural sector.
Hilary Graves, Vineyard & Grower Relations Manager, Booker Vineyard and Randy Record, Record Family Wines, invited Secretary Ross to speak to the Paso Robles community with a goal to bring together all agricultural industries looking to advance regenerative practices. “We saw this as an opportunity to connect the wider community and shine light on regenerative farming,” Graves said. “We knew that Karen would be an inspiring speaker for our community.”
Secretary Ross highlighted the CDFA’s commitment to supporting and promoting regenerative practices across California’s diverse agricultural landscape. Regenerative Agriculture has gained significant traction in recent years as a holistic approach to farming that focuses on enhancing soil health, optimizing water management, and promoting biodiversity with animal welfare and social fairness.
Caine Thompson, Head of Sustainability at Robert Hall’s O’Neill Vintners & Distillers noted, “Our goal is to inspire the industry to take meaningful action and adopt regenerative farming at scale. This is a call to action for the entire wine industry to join us in regenerating the land and securing the future of farming.”
Paso Robles AVA has emerged as a leader for California winegrape growers, with many wineries becoming Regenerative Organic Certified, including Robert Hall, Tablas Creek, MAHA Estate, Booker and Halter Ranch. Robert Hall’s Thompson is also a global board member of the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation (RVF), collaborating with international experts to accelerate the adoption of regenerative viticulture practices at scale. In 2025 RVF launched a Regenerative One Block Challenge to enable growers to test regenerative practices over a one year challenge to learn regenerative farming practices and outcomes.
As a prominent figure in the agriculture sector, Secretary Ross’s advocacy for Regenerative Agriculture aligns with California’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change. “I love the idea of the One Block Challenge and a community coming together to start adopting regenerative practices in such an inclusive way. This is how positive change starts, by meeting growers where they are and encouraging that very first step,” commented Secretary Ross.
Her presence in Paso Robles at the Robert Hall Winery event underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in advancing regenerative practices for a more climate resilient future. A lunch sponsored by SLO Farm Bureau and a Regenerative Agriculture panel discussion followed Secretary Ross featuring:
- Hilary Graves – Vineyard & Grower Relations Manager, Booker Vineyard
- Caine Thompson – Head of Sustainability, O’Neill Vintners & Distillers (Robert Hall Winery)
- Mike Testa – Partner, Coastal Vineyard Care Associates
- Tim LaSalle – Viticulturists, Regenerative Ag Initiative, Chico State
- Colby Pereira – COO, Braga Fresh
“It was an honor to have Secretary Ross address the Paso Robles wine growing community and the wider agriculture sector here, which is quickly becoming the epicenter of regenerative viticulture globally. The spotlight on Regenerative Agriculture from this event will spark further interest from growers which is exciting for the region and the future of winegrowing,” said Joel Peterson, Executive Director, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.
The CDFA’s definition of Regenerative Agriculture, as presented by Secretary Ross, sets the stage for continued dialogue and action towards more regenerative farming practices in California and beyond. The event in Paso Robles served as a catalyst for fostering partnerships and driving innovation in the agricultural industry, reinforcing the importance of regenerative approaches in building a more resilient food system.
About O’Neill Vintners & Distillers
O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, a Certified B Corporation, was founded in 2004 by industry leader and entrepreneur Jeff O’Neill. For 20 years, the vertically integrated winery has produced premium wine and spirits throughout California and has a reputation for producing consumer-focused brands while being a leader in sustainability. O’Neill Vintners & Distillers received the Green Medal Leader Award in 2021 by the California Wine Institute, achieved B Corp Certification in 2022, and earned Regenerative Organic Certified® status in 2024. The company currently operates in Larkspur, Parlier, Sonoma, and Paso Robles, California, and has grown a national brands portfolio to include Line 39, Harken Chardonnay, Rabble Wines, Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines, FitVine Wine, Robert Hall Winery, Allegro Cellars, Ram’s Gate Winery, Substance Wines and BrandyLab. For more information, please visit www.ONeillWine.com.
