ABOUT US

Arevalos Farm

Sulphur Springs Valley Produce Cooperative

Aaron Cardona is a third generation Mexican-American farmer who farms organic grains and vegetables at Arevalos Farm in McNeal, AZ. The farm, which was started by Grandfather Gilbert Arevalos in the 1950s, continues to operate with the support of 3 generations of the Arevalos Bloodline. Since 2013, Aaron has been rebuilding the infrastructure on the farm, converted to drip irrigation and utilizing organic farming methods. The belief was that organic farming was the best way for small farms to make a living wage.

In addition to the traditional summer farm stand crops of old, the farm now has something inthe ground year-round. The farm’s organic produce is sold through CSA, farmer’s markets, schools, hospitals and restaurants in both Cochise and Pima County. The farm is known for producing the sweetest watermelon, cantaloupe, and canary melon in the area and has added garlic, onions, carrots, cabbage and broccoli to its winter rotation. It is currently one of the only supplying of organic grains because of its production of the non-GMO heritage corn, Mexican June, as well as its genetic dry bean creation, Frijol Mechudo.

Due to the many struggles that small farmers face, Aaron founded the Sulphur Springs Valley Produce Cooperative. With a motto of collaboration instead of competition, the co-op works together and markets collectively to provide quality organic produce to the local food shed.

Double Adobe Farm

Recon Ag

I am a 3rd generation Mexican-American from McNeal, Arizona. I currently do small-scale farming full time on my family’s land, but professionally have had various roles within agriculture. Growing up I gained experience on neighboring ranches and farms. I received a bachelors and masters degree in Agricultural Biology from New Mexico State University. During and after my university studies, I worked in, and eventually managed, a pecan and onion research laboratory. Since then, I’ve done work as a field agronomist, in retail sales of agricultural products, equipment sales/support/training for specialized field monitoring equipment, and finally full time farming. I currently own and operate Double Adobe Farm LLC, which is a 4 acre vegetable farm in southeastern Arizona. I live with my wife, Jessica, and two children, Andrew (8) and Emily (5). In all endeavors, I strive to model service and stewardship under the guiding virtues of faith, humility, and charity.

Community Food Bank of Southeastern Arizona

Hormigita Farm

Claudio (he/him) is a migrant from Sonora/Oaxaca, Mexico who set roots in Tucson, AZ. He currently serves as the Director of Policy and Community Organizing for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. As a grassroots organizer, barrio campesino, artist and storyteller, his work focuses on the intersections of migrant rights, environmental justice, and food security. Claudio’s transformation from gangs to gardens helped coined the terms “Armando Barrio, Barrio Campesinxs” a praxis that addresses community development through an assets-based approach that reconnects folks back to the land we reside on and arms the community with the resources and networks needed to create positive social change; by the hood, for the hood. Claudio has a passion for food systems work and an extensive history of developing curriculum and implementing environmental justice programs throughout the southwest region that create opportunities for green infrastructure.

Likha's Veggies

The Local Co-op

With over a decade worth of experience working for Wholefoods Market NYC in a variety of roles, ranging from team member to leadership. Jillian started learning how to grow in 2021 while volunteering at a local community garden. Through the U of A Cooperative Extension’s apprenticeship program, Jillian was able to better understand and immerse herself in the complexities of farming, learning from neighboring farmers. Currently Jillian is producing row crops in Douglas, AZ while helping facilitate the movement of food from other farms in her role as the operations manager of The Local Co-op.

Desert Sky Produce

The Local Co-op

Originally from New Jersey, John moved to Cochise County, settling in McNeal in 2018. After working and learning from different growers in the area he started Desert Sky Produce in 2020 to help contribute to local food production. With a focus on organic production and responsible land stewardship Desert Sky Produce takes pride in making the farms harvests available to all members of the local community. As a partner grower for The Local Co-op the farm has produce available at local food pantries, restaurants, institutions and more.