A Farming Tradition From The 1700’s

In the Mediterranean agricultural landscape of Pedret i Marzà, in the Girona region of Catalunya, Francesc Font and wife Nuri have been working the 45 hectares of Finca Can Font for over 21 years. 

9th generation farmers with a family tradition for farming that dates back to the 1700s, Fina Can Font grows olives, grapes, and cereals. For many years, they worked the land conventionally.  Then, 15 years ago, the farm began to struggle. Every season became more expensive, and they found themselves heavily reliant on agrichemicals that were dangerous for them and their children. They watched as the soil eroded and knew something had to change.

“We discovered regenerative agriculture and decided to transition,” Francesc explains. “We invested time in truly understanding it and translating the concepts into practical, applicable methods for our context,” says Francesc. That investment involved reading, doing courses, and eventually even traveling to the USA and Australia with their children to work as WWOOFers, gaining hands-on learning they could translate back to their own land.

From Farm to Farming Community

Today, the results of transitioning are clear. “Our soil organic matter went from 0.3 to 4%.” Francesc explains. “We reduced our costs by 20% and we produce the same amount of food without any agrotoxics. It’s amazing.”

But learning these new methods didn’t mean abandoning what was good about the old. “Today, we still rely on technology, data and precision tools, but we apply them through a regenerative lens, implementing regenerative techniques, measuring impact, and building strong market partnerships. Step by step, I’m working to prove that regeneration is both possible and profitable.” Francesc shares.

Showing how regenerative techniques can be both possible and profitable is far from the only mission for Francesc and Nuri. In addition to managing their own farm, they've become deeply involved in creating a community and learning path around regenerative agriculture. They provide community education via farm visits, and teach other professionals through The Regen Academy and its associated podcast, both dedicated to educating farmers on regenerative methods. "We share all we learned at the farm with thousands of farmers in Spain and Latin America," Francesc says of his work as a consultant and educator.

The couple is also involved in wider projects promoting regenerative agriculture and climate-friendly practices. They helped create The Regen Institute, an association that works to standardize definitions of regenerative agriculture, promote and support regenerative projects, and accredit regenerative farms. They also helped create Spain's first-ever Carbon Credit project, in association with Verra.

From One Farm, Outward

What started as a family decision to protect their children from agrochemicals has grown into a mission that reaches far beyond their 45 hectares. Francesc and Nuri have already seen the powerful benefits of regenerative practices on their farm, and on the farms of those they educate. Everything from soil health, to finances, to keeping their families safe from harm.

Now they're looking further ahead. "I envision Can Font as a fully regenerative, climate-positive and biodiverse farm," Francesc says. "I want the farm to become a learning space for families, children and other farmers, helping society reconnect with food and nature." It's a vision that mirrors the way their own journey began: as a family, learning together, on farms generous enough to teach them.

The practical work behind the vision is already well underway. “My goal is to restore soil health, increase carbon sequestration, improve water cycles and create a resilient landscape through practices like minimal tillage, cover crops, compost and diversification," he explains. Work he intends to keep proving the case for, one season at a time.

“I’m really proud to be part of the Top 50 Farmers because this initiative gives visibility to farmers who protect the soil, take care of the planet, and grow healthier food for people.” Francesc remarks. We can heal the planet through agriculture and it makes me happy to see more and more farmers taking up this path.” 

Written by Top 50 Farmers and Isabel Duncan