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Let’s help more aspiring farmers like Javier, on their path to success!
Please act today so we can provide training and support for the ecological farmers of tomorrow!
“In 2011, I attended the EcoFarm Conference for the first time, thanks to my Scholarship. It was there that I met one of my most important customers. At the time I had nowhere to sell and didn't know who to approach. While attending a Marketing to Retail workshop, I got up in front of everyone, introduced myself, and explained my search for a customer. My pitch? I was a small beginning farmer and just needed a chance to get started. One retailer gave me his business card and told me to call him when I was ready. And this customer is now my largest account!
Being a small organic farmer myself, I know how difficult it can be to afford the conference. That’s money that could be used to purchase things like drip tape or boxes. That’s why the gift of a Scholarship or Fellowship is so invaluable.
As a farmer, you just can’t do it yourself. The business of farming is really tough. If you don’t have a strong support network you’re going to struggle. In 2013, I became an EcoFarm Fellow and got to work with other farmers and ranchers on the Fellowship goal of getting food to local food deserts. I focused my Fellowship on addressing the absence of healthy local produce in my community of Watsonville by growing ethnic produce varieties that would meet the food customs of Latino cultures including jicamas, verdolagas, papalo, and chilacayote. So much food is produced in this region but most of it gets distributed elsewhere. I’m starting to see this change, and the difference it makes. It’s very rewarding to see people in my community enjoy what I grow. One day I plan to open a fresh produce market.
Imagine supporting more scholar fellows like Javier, making a difference in their lives, their communities, and the broader food system. You can make this a reality by donating to the EcoFarm Scholarship & Fellowship Fund.
Fellows receive a full EcoFarm Conference with meals and lodging and membership in the EcoFarm Farmers' Association. Scholars receive a single conference day. Your generous donations will directly sponsor their attendance and opportunity for success.
Give an aspiring farmer a solid foundation by donating to the EcoFarm Scholarship & Fellowship Fund. For scholars, every $1 you donate provides $4 of funding. Help us reach our $35,000 goal by sharing this with your friends, family, and networks so we can secure our goal of 200 Scholarships and 35 Fellowships!
Thank you!
Javier Zamora owns JSM Organics, cultivating 29 organic acres of strawberries and unique varieties of vegetables and flowers in Royal Oaks, CA. He earned his landscaping degree from San Joaquin Delta College and his organic production degree from Cabrillo College. Javier trained at the Agriculture & Land-Based Training Association (ALBA) in Salinas. He is now a successful farm owner and plans to double the size of his operation within the coming year.