In the hills of Bonsall, a new chapter in North County’s agricultural legacy is taking root. At the center of this movement are two deeply connected initiatives: Bonsall Berry Farm, a regenerative family farm set to open in Spring 2025, and The Agrarian Institute, the nonprofit organization leading the efforts to nourish families, empower communities, and restore the land itself.
Bonsall Berry Farm will soon become a gathering place for families and visitors of all ages. Designed with community in mind, the farm will offer seasonal berry picking, opportunities to interact with pasture-raised animals, educational food forests, and immersive gardens that connect guests to the rhythms of the land. Built by North County locals with a passion for regenerative farming and hospitality, Bonsall Berry Farm is envisioned as a place where children, parents, and grandparents can make lasting memories—handpicking blueberries, learning about sustainable agriculture, and celebrating the beauty of nature together.
Behind this dream stands The Agrarian Institute, a nonprofit education farm whose mission extends beyond the fields. At its core, the Institute seeks to plant seeds of hope within the community by addressing critical issues like food insecurity and environmental restoration. With over 825,000 San Diegans facing hunger—and nearly 200,000 of them children—The Agrarian Institute is taking action by growing nutrient-dense produce for families in need, rescuing fruit from abandoned orchards, and distributing it through partnerships with local nonprofits like Operation Hope and the +Box food pantry.
The Institute also empowers residents through hands-on educational programs that teach regenerative gardening techniques, healthy eating habits, and stewardship of the environment. Its Creation Care efforts are revitalizing the land itself, restoring a once-neglected hillside into a thriving ecosystem that supports both agriculture and biodiversity.
The connection between The Agrarian Institute and Bonsall Berry Farm will be celebrated during an exciting community event on May 3rd and 4th. In partnership with North Coast Church's "Serve Your City" initiative, The Agrarian Institute is hosting a major volunteer weekend at the farm. Hundreds of volunteers will work together to plant trees, spread mulch, build scarecrows, and complete a variety of fun, hands-on projects to help bring the vision for Bonsall Berry Farm to life. Volunteers can choose from two shifts each day, either from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and all are welcome to be part of this incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Together, Bonsall Berry Farm and The Agrarian Institute represent a powerful vision for the future—one where community, sustainability, and compassion are at the heart of every harvest. By creating a space where families can play, learn, and give back, they are sowing the seeds for a healthier, more connected North County for generations to come.
To learn more about supporting or getting involved with these transformative efforts, visit The Agrarian Institute.
