Climate Smart and Rooted in Jewish Tradition
At Coastal Roots Farm, we believe the best farming practices are both ancient and enduring. Jewish agricultural teachings—honoring natural cycles, sharing abundance, and treating all creatures with care—guide how we farm today. These values align seamlessly with regenerative practices that restore soil health, conserve water, reduce waste, and ensure fresh, healthy food is shared equitably. By weaving together timeless Jewish wisdom and climate-smart farming, we cultivate a farm that nourishes both people and planet.
For Climate and Community
Soil health is the foundation of a thriving ecosystem and the key to fighting climate change. At Coastal Roots Farm, we build soil organic matter by rotating crops and chickens, planting diverse varieties, and creating our own compost. These practices sequester carbon, conserve water, and reduce the need for harmful chemicals, while protecting biodiversity and strengthening resilience against drought, pests, and disease.
Healthy soil also produces healthy food. Each year, we grow more than 80,000 pounds of nutrient-dense produce, and more than 75% is shared with San Diegans facing food insecurity. In this way, our climate-smart farming not only restores the earth but also ensures that neighbors in need have dignified access to fresh, local food. Read more about Who We Serve.
Jewish Community Farming
Coastal Roots Farm is a living Jewish farm that brings ancient teachings into practice today. Values such as bal tashchit (avoiding waste), shmita (honoring natural cycles), peah (leaving food for the poor and stranger), and tza’ar ba’alei chaim (humane treatment of animals) guide how we grow, share, and care for our community. These practices shape every seed planted and every harvest shared.
Founded in 2014 to address food insecurity and create a hub for Jewish expression in San Diego, Coastal Roots Farm is proud to be part of the Jewish Community Farming movement. Across North America, Jewish farms are cultivating belonging, environmental sustainability, and food justice through hands-on agriculture. We are honored to contribute to this growing movement that integrates Jewish life, land stewardship, and community care. Read more about Jewish Community Farms across North America.