“This all started with a promise that we would leave the big city and build a life in perfect harmony with nature.”
John Chester
In an era dominated by discussions around biodiversity, regenerative agriculture, and ecological sustainability, it’s crucial to move beyond abstract concepts and understand their practical application. Many seek to grasp these themes not from theoretical standpoints, but through the lived experiences of those at the forefront – the farmers. This is precisely the journey embarked upon by personal chef Molly Chester and her filmmaker husband John Chester.
Nine years ago, John and Molly’s life took a dramatic turn when they traded the urban sprawl of Santa Monica for 200 acres of barren land in Ventura County. This seemingly desolate plot, known as Apricot Lane Farms, became the canvas for their ambitious vision: to cultivate an organic, biodiverse farm rooted in regenerative principles, thriving in symbiosis with nature.
Their undertaking began with the arduous task of revitalizing the drought-stricken, nutrient-depleted soil. This was followed by the planting of 10,000 orchard trees and the cultivation of over 200 different crops. To further enrich the ecosystem, they introduced a diverse array of animals, embracing the inherent chaos and challenges that came with nurturing a farm back to life. Patiently, John and Molly Chester stewarded Apricot Lane Farms, transforming it from an inert landscape into a vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystem, a testament to nature’s rhythms.
John Chester, with his filmmaker’s eye, meticulously documented every step of this daunting journey. His storytelling and wildlife cinematography culminated in The Biggest Little Farm, a remarkable documentary that showcases the Earth’s profound capacity for self-healing when humans work in concert with nature to restore biodiversity. This film offers an uplifting narrative, contrasting sharply with the often-dystopian tone of ecological discussions, and inspires audiences with the tangible possibility of positive change.
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Intrigued and deeply moved by The Biggest Little Farm, a visit to Apricot Lane Farms became essential. Spending a day touring the farm provided an invaluable, eye-opening education, fostering a profound appreciation for John and Molly’s remarkable achievement and the intricate complexity of their mission. The experience highlighted the practical realities of regenerative agriculture and the dedication required to make such a vision a reality.
Following this visit, sharing images on Instagram became a natural response, expressing gratitude and admiration for John and Molly’s commitment to addressing the critical need for biodiversity restoration. Their work embodies what environmental advocates universally call for: repairing our soil’s rapidly diminishing biodiversity – the planet’s very microbiome – to sequester carbon and ensure sustainable food security. Apricot Lane Farms stands as a powerful, working model for the future of farming.
John and Molly Chester’s approach transcends mere protest against climate change. They are actively engaged in creating solutions, taking a firm stand against the detrimental practices of glyphosate-heavy, chemical-dependent industrial agriculture. These large-scale, conglomerate-owned operations, with their control over seeds, GMOs, and animal-intensive CAFO factory farms, dominate our current food system, significantly harming human, animal, and ecological health.
Apricot Lane Farms serves as compelling evidence that regenerative farming is not only feasible but also economically viable. It demonstrates that this approach surpasses conventional methods in both yield volume and nutritional density. Moreover, by effectively drawing down carbon and fostering long-term, natural resilience against pests, drought, and soil erosion, it directly counters planetary warming. This is achieved without relying on the products and practices that ‘Big Ag’ promotes as indispensable.
John and Molly embody the principles championed by numerous sustainability advocates. Like Zach Bush, MD of Farmer’s Footprint, Paul Hawken of Project Drawdown, David Bronner of Climate Collaborative, and Ryland Engelhart of Kiss The Ground, all advocates for regenerative farming, they are demonstrating a path forward. These influential figures in the sustainability movement unanimously underscore the critical importance of adopting regenerative farming practices to combat climate change and restore our planet’s biodiversity.
However, even amidst widespread acclaim, the work at John and Molly’s Apricot Lane Farms has faced scrutiny. A segment of the vegan community reacted strongly to a social media post highlighting the farm. While primarily agricultural, Apricot Lane Farms is also home to various animals that play a vital role in soil regeneration. The fact that some of these animals are eventually sold for meat led some vegans to perceive the farm, and any perceived endorsement, as a contradiction to vegan principles. This sparked calls for condemnation, highlighting the complexities and sometimes rigid perspectives within the broader movement for ethical and sustainable living.
Addressing the concerns raised, it’s important to acknowledge and respect the vegan perspective. The idea of animal slaughter, regardless of humane practices, is understandably contrary to vegan ethics. Choosing not to participate in this cycle is a deeply personal and valid stance. It’s crucial to recognize that veganic farms exist and represent a different approach to sustainable agriculture.
However, it’s equally important to appreciate the multifaceted realities of running a farm. Issues surrounding food production and environmental stewardship are rarely black and white. Dismissing or refusing to learn from experiences that diverge from a strictly held viewpoint limits our capacity for progress. Understanding diverse approaches and the nuances of real-world implementation is crucial for meaningful advancements in sustainability.
It’s unproductive to judge those actively working towards solutions. John and Molly Chester are not detached critics; they are on the front lines, actively implementing solutions for climate change reversal every day. Their efforts deserve recognition and understanding, even when perspectives differ on certain aspects of their holistic approach.
Truth necessitates facing uncomfortable realities. Even those adhering to a strictly plant-based diet must acknowledge the unavoidable harm inherent in food production. Harvesting crops, even organic ones, inevitably results in animal deaths, especially in conventional farming. Furthermore, sourcing produce from typical modern farms often contributes to chemical-based monocropping, soil depletion, water pollution, and a range of environmental harms that negatively impact animal welfare.
The core message is one of shared responsibility and continuous improvement. No one is exempt from contributing to harm in some way. We all have the capacity to do better and be more informed. This requires openness to learning from those with different experiences and cultivating empathy for approaches that may not perfectly align with pre-conceived notions, yet offer valuable insights and solutions.
Compassion, a central tenet of veganism, extends beyond animals to encompass our fellow humans. Empathy and mutual respect are essential, especially when navigating complex issues like sustainable agriculture and food ethics. The world needs more understanding, both for animals and for each other, as we collectively strive for a more sustainable and compassionate future.
For a deeper dive into John and Molly’s journey and the broader conversation, the full podcast episode and video are available online. The Biggest Little Farm continues to inspire and educate, offering a compelling vision of what’s possible when we work in harmony with nature.
Final Note: Biggest Little Farm received further accolades, winning a Critics Choice Documentary Award for best cinematography. This recognition is a testament to John, Molly, and the entire film crew’s dedication to sharing their story and the powerful message of Apricot Lane Farms.
This conversation offers valuable insights. Approach it with an open heart and a willingness to explore different perspectives on sustainable living and our relationship with the natural world.
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