New Beginnings: Our 2023 Client Cohort
New client gathering in our Central Coast region.
February 24th, 2023
We are honored to introduce the eight farmers and ranchers that comprise KTA’s 2023 advising cohort. These producers are joining us in the midst of a tumultuous time for many of our regional agricultural communities, where many of these farmers and ranchers have persisted and adapted to be able to remain in business. We are grateful to be accompanying them wherever they are in their journeys, to witness their immeasurable impact on our regional foodshed, and to support them in the years to come.
Join us in getting to know these new clients by exploring the opportunities shared below to learn about who they are, how to connect with them, and immediate needs for support.
8
Business Owners of 8 Farms & Ranches
10
Communities Impacted
30.25
Acres Stewarded
Yolo | Solano | Sacramento
Li Schmidt, Cultural Roots Nursery | Winters
“As an Asian American farmer, I farm in order to heal relationships and connections between land, food, and people. I grow plant starts and seeds that have deep cultural significance to my community and strive to empower others to engage in our food system through learning how to grow their own food no matter what the scale — from container gardening to farming.”
Li’s talents and contributions also show up through the Cal Ag Roots podcast series, “An Ear to the Ground”.
North Bay
Ignacio “Nacho” Romero, Laguna Farm | Sebastopol
Molly Meyerson, Little Wing Farm | Point Reyes Station
“Nos gusta trabajar con la tierra y es lo que sabemos hacer. Me encanta cuando veo a la gente con su caras felices cuando les gustan mis productos.”
San Mateo | East Bay
Zee Husain, Kula Nursery | Oakland
“I’m a farmer because I want to be able to provide my community with culturally relevant food and empower them to feel in control of their food system. I’ve witnessed firsthand how heritage foods transform them back to their homelands and ancestors. Providing these foods gives me hope for a more equitable and inclusive food system for all.”
Central Coast
Latsamee Moua, Vang Farmers | Atwater, Merced, Winton
Maria “Nancy” Nuñez, Picoso Farms | Gilroy
Martin Barraza, Barraza Farms | Aromas
Isabel Rosas, Dream Farm | Salinas
“Our passion for farming is captured by the motto: ‘Doing what you love, you never work a day in your life.’ Farming and family are our life’s passion and purpose and we wish to continue growing food as a family for years to come.”
The future of Picoso Farms has been threatened by the recent winter storms. We invite you to support Nancy, her family, and Picoso's recovery.
PC: Daniel Losoya, Li Schmidt, Nacho Romero, Susan Adler for Point Reyes Light, Zee Husain, Mark Tuschman, Nancy Nuñez, Paige Green