Farmer Profile: María 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.
María Aguilar is one of our incredible farm tenants, who began her farming training through the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA). In 2025, she attended EcoFarm Conference and initially connected with Regenerative California’s founder, Kristin Coates, and learned about the potential opportunity to farm at Regenerate 68! Farm in Salinas.
Encouraged by a former teacher, Andrea Tinajero, María visited the farm to learn more about Regenerative California's regenerative organic farming initiative. “From the very beginning, there was constant communication, respect, and genuine encouragement from the Regenerative California team,” she shares.
María chose to farm organically because “it’s not just about producing food, but how we produce it,” she shares. “It’s time to move toward more conscious and responsible farming practices—I’m convinced that it is possible to produce high-quality food while caring for the land, people’s health, and the environment.”
Organic is not a trend—it’s a long-term commitment. For María, the most challenging aspects of this type of farming are time and financial resources. “Farming never stops … there are no days off, and there is always something to take care of or solve,” she shares. “On top of that, dealing with very low prices and uncertainty can make it difficult to sustain a small farm.” Yet, the time commitment and endless effort are worth it for María. Especially when she yields a healthy crop that is of high quality and is grown responsibly.
When talking with other aspiring organic farmers, María’s advice is simple: don’t give up. “It’s important to seek support, ask questions, keep learning, and take advantage of opportunities like programs for beginning and emerging farmers,” she shares. “Recognitions like EcoFarm's 2026 Fresh Roots Award show that my hard work and consistency do pay off—even when the road feels tough.”
As a small farmer, María believes that she and others like her have the potential to make a meaningful and lasting impact throughout Monterey County. “By building relationships with institutional buyers, schools, chefs, and local shops, we can create more stable and resilient markets,” she shares. “Even as small operations, we can create jobs, contribute through taxes, and support the local economy. When small farmers are supported, the benefits extend to the entire community.”
When she’s not farming at High Hills Organic Farms, María studies and stays up-to-date on organic agriculture laws and regulations. “As a small farm, there aren’t always enough funds to hire someone to handle all of it,” she shares. “For me, it’s important to be prepared both in the field and on the administrative and compliance side.”
As she continues to grow as a farmer and a business owner, María is grateful for the opportunities presented to her through ALBA and Regenerative California. “I’ve been able to experience firsthand the realities of independent agriculture,” she shares. “I would also like to invite anyone reading this to visit Regenerate 68! Farm—come see how we work and the effort behind every harvest.”