California's Premier Regenerative Agriculture Apprenticeship

ORCA trains the next generation of regenerative farmers through state-certified apprenticeships combining cutting-edge soil science, mineral and microbial management, and hands-on farm experience.

For Apprentices

For Farmers

Farmer

Apprentice

THE CONVERGENCE - FIVE CHALLENGES, ONE SOLUTION

CHALLENGE 1

Environmental Compliance

2030 climate-smart agriculture requirements, soil biodiversity mandates—farmers unprepared for regulatory transformation

CHALLENGE 2

Food Safety Failures

Farm-to-school contamination from unmonitored amendments like municipal compost—heavy metals and elemental imbalances disrupting soil chemistry

CHALLENGE 3

Labor Law Violations

Widespread under-the-table payment creating severe legal exposure, worker vulnerability, and limiting farm capacity

CHALLENGE 4

Workforce Retirement

Majority of farmers over 55, no succession planning—decades of irreplaceable knowledge disappearing

CHALLENGE 5

Knowledge Transfer Gap

Traditional farming wisdom and emerging regulatory expertise both essential, neither alone sufficient—no formal transfer mechanisms exist

ORCA is the only organization addressing all five interconnected challenges through registered apprenticeship.

Five interconnected challenges facing California agriculture ORCA addresses them all

DUAL REGISTRATION ADVANTAGE

THE PROBLEM

California Derecognized

California's State Apprenticeship Agency was federally derecognized in 2007.

Most California programs = California-only credentials with NO federal recognition

Credentials valid only in California, not recognized outside the state.

ORCA'S SOLUTION

Dual Registration

BOTH California + Federal DOL Certification

✓ Nationally portable credentials (all 50 states)

✓ Access to federal funding unavailable to state-only programs

✓ Attracts higher-quality, career-oriented candidates

✓ Career mobility anywhere in the United States

ORCA is the ONLY California regenerative agriculture apprenticeship offering nationally recognized credentials.

What Makes ORCA Different

ORCA (Organic Regenerative Certified Apprenticeship) is a California registered nonprofit offering California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) certified training that goes beyond traditional agriculture education.

Foundation Program (Years 2): Our beginning apprentices learn:

Regenerative Farming Fundamentals - Soil health principles that support advanced mineral and microbial management
Working with Specialists - How to collaborate with consultants and experienced farm managers who perform advanced soil testing and analysis
Practical Implementation - Applying recommendations from soil tests and microbial analysis
Professional Skills - Equipment operation, safety, record keeping, and farm business basics

Advanced Track (Future): After completing the foundation program, apprentices can pursue advanced training in:

Advanced Analysis Skills - Learning qualitative microbial observation and mineral balance testing
Consultant-Level Skills - Interpreting complex soil data and making management recommendations
Specialized Techniques - Microscopy, soil paste testing, and sap analysis

Program Structure

2-year full-time apprenticeship (seasonal variations accommodated)
4,000 hours of paid, hands-on farm training (2,000 hours per year)
340 hours of comprehensive classroom instruction (170 hours per year)
State certification through California DAS program #101310
Federal Certification Pending
Real-world experience on working regenerative farms

Our Curriculum Foundation

ORCA's curriculum is built on proven regenerative principles and designed to meet the real needs of California farmers:

Functional living soil management
Working effectively with soil consultants and experienced farm managers
Safety and equipment operation
FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance
Integrated pest management through soil health
Water conservation and efficient irrigation (meeting FSMA water standards)
Farm business fundamentals
Produce Safety Rule (PSR) standards for growing, harvesting, packing, and holding produce

Curriculum Development: Our training program is developed in partnership with working regenerative farms to ensure apprentices learn skills that farmers actually need. We continuously refine our curriculum based on feedback from host farms and industry demands. FSMA/PSR requirements are integrated throughout the curriculum - from soil amendments to water management to harvest practices - ensuring apprentices understand how regenerative practices align with federal food safety standards.

Why ORCA Matters

California agriculture faces critical challenges: declining soil health, water scarcity, and a shortage of trained regenerative farmers. ORCA addresses these by training practitioners who understand that soil biology is a geological event - and who have the tools to manage it effectively.

The Opportunity Ahead:

California agriculture is at a pivotal moment:

Generational Transition: The average California farmer is over 58 years old. In the next 15 years, a significant portion will retire, creating unprecedented opportunities for new farm owners and managers. Nationally, over $20 trillion in farm assets will change hands.
Regulatory Evolution: California's bold 2030 agenda and new regulations require trained professionals who understand compliance and regenerative practices. CDFA has released its official definition of regenerative farming, paving the way for new regulations and funding programs.
Access to Funding: Farms will increasingly need to demonstrate regenerative practices to access state and federal funding programs. ORCA apprentices will be trained to navigate these requirements and help farms qualify for support.
Professional Demand: The shift toward regenerative agriculture creates demand for skilled managers who can implement practices, work with consultants, understand regulations, and access available resources.

ORCA prepares apprentices for this future - training the farm managers, owners, and professionals California will need as agriculture transforms over the next 15 years.