ALD&Y ORGANIC FARMS

I operate a five-acre farm named ALD & Y Organic Farm outside of Salinas, California, with a mix of colorful salad greens, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, beans, kale, chard, and other crops. I sell half of it directly to consumers via farmers markets and restaurants; half is sold wholesale. I grew up in a farming family in Oaxaca, Mexico. For many years, I worked hard as a farm laborer after we immigrated to the United States. Then I had the opportunity to have my own farm. I’d like people to think about all the hard work and time that goes behind the food arriving at their farmers markets. There are many steps involved, and they’re not paying most of the costs. Keep this in mind and keep supporting your local small farmers.

INDUCHUCUITI ORGANIC FARMS

My grandparents were farmers in Oaxaca, Mexico, and they taught me to take care of the land. When I heard about the opportunity to have an organic farm, it was an opportunity to have a connection to the land like my family had in Mexico. I focus on growing certified organic broccoli and onions on a half-acre piece of land in Salinas, CA. I hope to rent a larger piece of land near my home in Salinas, which is one of the most expensive agricultural regions in the country.

AYOQUEZCO ORGANIC PRODUCE

I come from Mexico. I've always worked with the land. I like farming and it caught my attention because I can grow organic vegetables and they don't carry as many pesticides as conventional ones. This is important to me because it helps the health of children who are growing for the future. I have 3 children and my wish is that they see the difference in organic farming. It is very beautiful but at the same time difficult because sometimes there is little to no support for small farmers to have the success that we want. My children are an inspiration - they can look at how hard it is and get motivated and go for their studies.

SALAZAR ORGANIC FARMS

My name is Alejandro Salazar. I immigrated to the United States in 1998. I’ve worked at four agricultural companies and I spent 12 years in the last company where I grew my skills. In 2020 I decided to start a new path by starting my business as an organic farmer, producing strawberries and vegetables. It has not been easy, but I am always learning new things. My daughters have helped me to be certified organic with USDA and CCOF. My intention is to sell my product directly to consumers. Currently I have an agricultural engineer who advises me to treat the plants and provide what they need. I also work hard to have good quality produce and vegetables. My goal is to have all the necessary irrigation and tillage equipment. In order to satisfy consumers, I’m working to produce year-round.

CALI-DAD ORGANIC FARMS

Sometimes, if I'm honest, money motivates me. Giving my family a better future too. In this I know that I can achieve economic stability. All my life I have done agricultural work - since I was 11 years old. I don't know anything else. In my family we are 3 generations of farmers: my grandfather, my dad and us. My strength is that I know the job. My dad and my grandfather are dedicated to growing tomatoes, beans, chili and corn. To buyers and the general public, I would like you to know that aside from feeding people, we are helping the environment by growing organic produce. We are helping society and the environment at the same time. In 5 years, in terms of work and at the rate we are going, I see something very positive and great. Personally, I see a lot of future here. I see myself with more equipment, new clients and more land. I feel good. I am realistic and visionary at the same time. I have 2 children and together with my wife we operate the farm.

QUEEN OF VEGETABLES ORGANIC FARM

I have a desire and hope of excelling and of having something to leave my children one day. Ten years ago, I started as an employee in conventional farms. Over time I began to take charge and moved into new positions, and I realized that I could handle it easily. I saw a door open for me and I took the opportunity to operate my own business. I have stayed here because I am discovering ways to grow.

I come from Acapulco Guerrero Mexico. I consider myself a mixture of the costa grande and the costa chica, which are two distinct coasts in the Southern coast of Mexico. I work hard. In 3 years, my goal is to offer my children their own house with a farm so I can run my business there. I am a single mother of 3 children and this would be an inheritance for my children. My son asks me why I go to work early and get home late. To achieve my dream comes with sacrifices. It's true, I like farming but it's also hard work. All of us who are organic farmers and are small business owners have dreams. By buying from us you are helping families fulfill those dreams and hopes.

In our farmer Co-op our interests are what the word defines us: growing as organically as possible, family well-being, and healthy food for all.

SMP ORGANIC FARMS (Inactive)

My family and my children motivate me to be a farmer. I am originally from a town called San Martín Pera, Oaxaca. My parents always worked in agriculture and I started working with them when I was 12 years old. Then they came to work in Sinaloa, Mexico, and that's where I learned about various crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and many more. When I was 16 years old, I came to the United States and started working in the strawberry fields. I made the decision to start my own farming business because I had been working in the field for a long time and I wanted to put all my experience to work. I wanted to learn something more to improve myself. Now, thank God, I have my business. I have 2.25 acres and I have a variety of produce, like dino kale, curly kale and broccolini. In the future I plan to have more variety. In 5 years, my business will grow and I will have more workers and equipment.

I would like small organic farmers like me to be seen based on what we are doing: growing 100% quality produce, organic – not like conventional vegetables. We take care of the air, the water and the earth. We don’t use chemicals. We hope to change the diet of children and new generations.