Meet Agustin Cardenas
When you walk the rows of Agustin Cardenas’ ranch, you’re not just exploring an orchard — you’re stepping into a decades-long story of perseverance, heart, and a deep-rooted love for farming. With a cheerful heart and a generous spirit, Agustin grows fruit with the hope that it will be enjoyed by his own family and by families across the globe.
Agustin has been farming for more than 30 years and today grows organic stone fruit, persimmons, and citrus for Homegrown Organic Farms. His journey began in 1984 when he moved from Mexico to the United States as a teenager. Like many growers before him, Agustin started with hard work in the fields, learning the rhythms of the land long before he ever dreamed of owning a farm.
While holding a full-time job on his employer’s ranch, Agustin went to school at night and earned a degree in accounting — a testament to his determination and commitment to building a better future. Years later, when his employer retired, Agustin was given a rare opportunity: the chance to lease, and eventually purchase, the very ranch where he first worked.
The Transition to Organic
But the path wasn’t easy. Even with a strong passion for farming, the operation struggled financially for years. It wasn’t until Agustin discovered a niche in the growing organic market that things began to change. Leaning into organic practices not only aligned with his values but ultimately saved the farm. Today, his stone fruit is Regenerative Organic Certified and Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certified, underscoring his commitment to responsible, people-first, planet-first agriculture.
Today, a walk through the ranch reveals a completely different way of farming. Agustin cares for his orchards without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, tending each block with intention and respect for the land. From thoughtful water use to minimal tillage, every decision reflects his commitment to farming in a way that nourishes both the soil and the planet.
Where Family Meets the Field
Agustin’s ranch is home to several varieties of peaches, plums, nectarines, fuyu persimmons, and mandarin oranges — each one cared for with intention. Spend an afternoon walking the orchard with him and you’ll hear the stories behind every row: which varieties are his wife’s favorite, which fruits make the best peach cobbler, and which trees require a little extra attention each season. His two sons also help out around the farm when they are not in school.
Watch Agustin in our GROWN By Series!
Homegrown Organic Farms is proud to partner with growers like Agustin. Thanks to growers like him, we are able to enjoy delicious organic fruit! Keep an eye out for his peaches, plums, nectarines, persimmons, and citrus year-round. And when biting into that fresh fruit, remember the hard work and passion that went into growing it from tree to your table.
