Farmer Profile: Veronica Aguilar
Through the Regenerate 68! Farm in Salinas, Regenerative California is working to help small farmers succeed by providing long term, affordable leases on organically certified farm land. In the coming months, each tenant will have access to regenerative farming training to grow nutrient dense produce that improves soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity.
Veronica Aguilar is one of our incredible farm tenants, who began her agricultural training with Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA) in 2023. With support from her family and ALBA’s mentorship, she is developing a farming practice centered on land stewardship and community health. Just last month, she was recognized with the Fresh Roots Award from EcoFarm, honoring the next generation of leaders working to cultivate just and resilient food systems.
Veronica’s path to becoming an independent farmer started when she moved to California and was working in conventional strawberry fields. She remembers days when chemical applications left her with watery eyes and itchy skin. “I asked myself, what else can they do to our bodies?” This question changed her trajectory.
She left the strawberry farm to work in organic farms, and eventually made what she calls “the best decision ever,” starting her own organic farm, Los Prismas Organic Farm. She heard about an opportunity to rent agricultural land at Regenerate 68! Farm and came to visit. During the visit, she fell in love with the beauty of the land and appreciated the respect she received from the Regenerative California team.
While organic farming is her passion, it does come with its own set of challenges. From climate change and drought to disease management and market price instability, farming can be difficult. As a new farmer, she shares that it’s important to have the opportunity to learn from your failures. “Remember that there will be difficult times, but there is always a solution to any problem.”
Despite the obstacles, Veronica keeps farming to make a positive impact. “There are more farmers striving to give something better and healthier to other people,” she shares. “Each farmer is putting all their effort into every seed to make it the best harvest.”
“Estoy muy agradecida con Regeneración California, por haberme dado la oportunidad de expandirme en términos… pero no solo eso, expandieron visión.” // “I am so grateful to Regenerative California, for giving me the opportunity to expand… but not only that, they expanded my vision.”