Rene

El Salvador

Farmer

I came to the U.S. to have a better future.  I worked as a farmworker for twenty years harvesting crops. My daughter told me about ALBA, a program where I could be trained to be my own organic farmer. I learned how to plant and how to use irrigation. They helped me with the paperwork too.

I grow everything organically. I sell both through farmer’s markets and wholesale.

I do a crop plan with my buyers. Right now, I am growing corn, tomatoes, chilis, celery, lettuces, onion, and peppers.  I have five acres now and I want to have at least ten.

I provide organic food, and it does not contaminate the environment. I would like to see the government appreciate the work that we do and treat us in a better way.