#70 - From City to Farm Life: Benefits of a Community Focused on Food Sovereignty with Thomas Patton

In this episode, Thomas Patton shares his journey from industrial farming to regenerative land management in Panama, explaining how his approach aims to combine ecological sustainability with community living. Listen to discover how land, food security, and innovative community models like Lega Vera are transforming lifestyles and farming practices. Key topics Thomas Patton’s background: Growing up in Panama with US roots, and his transition from bodybuilding to regenerative farming The principles of regenerative land management: Moving away from industrial farming, focusing on soil health and ecosystem balance The evolution from traditional farming to a multi-species, soil-fed farm system The concept of farm-to-table and how farming integrates with community storytelling The benefits and challenges of regenerative farming: Costs, learning curve, and the importance of holistic collaboration Lifestyle trade-offs: The balance between city convenience and rural authenticity, and the hybrid living model in Panama The cultural and social aspects of life in Panama: Diversity, language, social life, and work culture The vision for Lega Vera: Supporting sustainable farmers, reducing reliance on external inputs, and building resilient communities 🎙️ The guest: Thomas Patton A regenerative land manager and farmer in Panama who has transformed his family’s agricultural operation into a holistic, multi-species system focused on soil health, food security, and sustainability. He blends practical business thinking with a deep respect for nature, moving away from industrial farming toward a more resilient model that includes farm-to-table food, agrotourism, and the development of Lega Vera, a farm village designed to support like-minded people who want a closer relationship with land and food. 🔗 Guest Links https://www.instagram.com/thomaspatton_/ https://www.instagram.com/legaverafarmvillage/ https://www.instagram.com/coquirasoil/ https://legavera.com/ What we discuss: 00:00 — Episode introduction 2:15 — Introducing Thomas Patton “I am a regenerative land manager” 6:05 — Coming back to the farm after university 7:30 — Discovering the farm was doing everything wrong 9:18 — Guests reacting to agrotourism and farm life 12:45 — What “regenerative operation” actually means 15:08 — Why nature and economics are not separate 16:40 — Why Lega Vera was created 18:37 — Turning the farm into a restaurant and story 21:30 — What Lega Vera is as a private farm village 26:50 — The learning curve and trade-offs of regeneration 49:57 — How to contact Lega Vera and what it stands for Check and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️: https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter