Our story begins with John Kempf.
In the early 2000s, Amish farmer John Kempf was on a desperate quest to save his family’s fruit and vegetable farm in Northeast Ohio. After years of intensive pesticide use, pest and disease pressure was unmanageable and unaffected by continued chemical applications, resulting in almost total loss three years in a row.
John then began renting a field from a neighboring farm and had an “ah-ha” moment. The cantaloupe plants located in soil previously managed with intense pesticides were disease and pest-ridden, while those on the untreated soil were completely healthy. The difference was so pronounced that it launched John on an intense journey to understand why one plant could resist disease while the same variety planted two feet away could not.
After years of extensive agronomic research, first-hand growing experience, and close mentorship – from leaders such as Don Huber, Bruce Tainio, Jerry Brunetti, Arden and Michael McNeil – John found new crop management methods. The practices he discovered and the products he created were the beginnings of Advancing Eco Agriculture.
Since 2006, the belief that regenerative agriculture is about regenerating relationships at every level and revitalizing communities has been central to our mission. We have since helped thousands of growers implement regenerative agricultural practices and unique crop plans on more than four million acres globally.
And we’re just getting started.
John Kempf begins his journey into plant and soil science
Advancing Eco Agriculture is founded
First AEA product bottled
AEA office opens in Middlefield, OH
Manufacturing facility opens in Middlefield
Sap testing introduced
First major international consulting agreement
First AEA warehouse opens in Union Gap, WA
First episode of The Regenerative Agriculture Podcast
California warehouse opens
Florida warehouse opens
Opening of the AEA laboratory
New Mexico warehouse opens
Second manufacturing facility opens in Aurora, CO
Our Values
Love
Love is not a sentiment; it’s a living, breathing principle guiding our values, work, and relationships. Empathy and compassion are woven into the fabric of our organization; we strive to understand the experiences and challenges of our growers, approaching each interaction with a deep sense of responsibility and care.
Gratitude
Our gratitude extends to the heart of our organization – the trust granted to us by our customers and the contributions of our team members. The success of growers is our success; we actively contribute to and celebrate their progress.
Integrity
We are dedicated to being a reliable, responsive, and consistent partner in relationships built on mutual respect and confidence. Our commitment to integrity extends to our data-driven approach, ensuring our actions are informed by reliable and accurate information.
Trailblazing
We pioneer new ideas and technology that place us at the forefront of regenerative agriculture. We are driven by curiosity, continuously pursuing knowledge, and embracing obstacles as stepping stones to success, approaching them with resilience, determination, and grit.
Boldness
We are confident in our methods, cutting-edge vision, and an empowered team to push the boundaries of what is possible. We value open and honest communication for building trust and strengthening the foundation of our collaborative culture. We focus on finding meaningful solutions for farmers with determination and resolve.
Prosperity
We’re dedicated to bringing prosperity to farming communities. We embrace an abundance mindset that enables us to see opportunities where others see blockers. Our vision extends beyond the present; we lay the groundwork for a legacy of sustained growth and prosperity in a shared regenerative future.
