Our Story
“Somos muy afortunados de tener un trabajo que nos brinde mucha felicidad y atrae bienestar a la comunidad.”
Martin Rodriguez and Gaudencia Gonzalez began farming in New York in 2004, but that was not their first encounter in the agriculture world. Martin Rodriguez, born in Progreso Piaxtla Puebla, began tending to cows since he was five years old. Alongside his father and brother, they would plant and harvest corn, fruits, and peanuts. Similarly, Gaudencia’s family also from Progreso, planted fields of watermelon to harvest and sell at local markets. When they migrated to Brooklyn, New York in the late 80’s neither would have expected that they would someday return to farming, but thanks to the New Farmer Development Program that specifically sought to get people of color into the agriculture business, they made that dream happen.
After finishing the course, they rented a couple of acres in Pine Island, New York and introduced NYC farmer’s markets to an array of Mexican produce. The first few years were tough and they even considered going back to work in the city. However, their clients inspired them to push through and in 2006 they were able to purchase their first home and 15 acres of land. Today, they harvest close to 50 acres and can be found at 6 different market locations in New York City. They also partake in the CSA program (Community Supports Agriculture) and have close to 150 members. Martin and Gaudencia made it a point to ensure only natural and sustainable practices are employed on their farm. Weeds are picked by hand most of the time and they refuse to use pesticides as it compromises their ideals of natural grown produce. They grow and forage over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables and continue to provide quality produce to the NYC community.