Meet the Farmer

Raised in Michoacán, Mexico, Rafael Garcia grew up with an appreciation for the land. His father introduced him to agriculture at a young age, as his family grew corn and beans, and raised cattle. Along with his brother, Rafael learned the values of hard work and perseverance through helping on his family farm.  

Rafael carried this spark for farming with him and, after arriving in the U.S., began working for conventional agriculture farms in California. Through his experience selling at farmers markets, he soon discovered the possibilities of creating his own business and connecting with customers who want to know more about where their food comes from. In 2014, he began growing his own strawberries in the same field where he once planted the fruit as a farmworker. Now, his farm, RHJ Organics, not only grows strawberries, but also onions, potatoes, cabbage, kale, carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes. His prize crop, strawberries, accounts for over 50% of his sales.

RHJ Organics is a family affair with Rafael’s wife often working at farmers markets and helping him with business planning. Following his father’s example, Rafael involves his sons in the farm; in learning to tend the land, he hopes they can also develop values such as discipline and humility.