It’s a cool crisp morning in Royal Oaks, and the breeze of the wind softly blows through the fields. At the center of it all is Bertha Magaña, owner of Magaña Farms, walking between rows of vegetables and berries, checking on the crops that have come to symbolize her decades of hard work and perseverance. But Bertha's journey to this moment was far from easy; and FarmLink has partnered with her for 13 years.
After immigrating to the United States from Mexico, she spent over 30 years as a farmworker, working in the fields and nurseries of California. These years of hands-on experience not only shaped her deep connection to the land but also inspired a passion for sustainable agriculture. "Farming isn't just work to me," Bertha shares in Spanish, her eyes twinkling with pride. "It's a way to provide for my family and take care of the Earth at the same time."
The seed of entrepreneurship was planted by Bertha's brother who also farms, Francisco Serrano, when he encouraged her to become a farmer. "Farming was always a part of me," Bertha reflects, "It's what I grew up with, and it's what I wanted to do for myself and my family." Despite her limited formal education and language barrier, Bertha's determination and farming expertise drove her forward.
With her brother’s encouragement, Bertha took a leap of faith and joined the Farmer Education Program through the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA), an organization that supports field laborers through land-based training in organic farm management. Initially hesitant due to the challenges she had already faced, Bertha ultimately decided to join the program. “I didn’t think I could do it at first, but my brother really pushed me. He told me, ‘This is your chance to learn and become a farmer.’” Through ALBA, Bertha gained invaluable knowledge and a supportive network of peers and mentors.
However, the path to farm ownership was still fraught with challenges. The biggest hurdle? Securing land. That’s when Francisco introduced Bertha to California FarmLink in 2011. With FarmLink’s support, she negotiated a 12-acre lease with a right of first refusal in 2013; executed that right in 2016; and purchased the land. Bertha became the first farmer to secure a FarmLink land loan, a groundbreaking achievement that underscored the organization's dedication to empowering small farmers with lending and land access opportunities. “Receiving a loan, and getting the land was the turning point,” she says. “I knew I could make it work, but I needed help getting started.”
FarmLink's support extended far beyond the initial loan. As Bertha faced the daunting task of financing her operation, FarmLink stood by her side. "They didn't just give me the loan and leave me," Bertha says, "FarmLink was always there, helping me figure things out when times got tough."
This ongoing partnership reflects FarmLink's holistic approach to empowering farmers, offering comprehensive assistance that helped Bertha navigate the complexities of agricultural finance, restructure loans when necessary, and secure crucial disaster relief during difficult times. Such tailored support is essential for small farmers, who often lack the resources and industry connections needed to thrive.
Bertha not only stabilized her finances but also integrated conservation practices, such as water-saving techniques and hedgerows to attract pollinators. As her business expertise grew, Bertha shifted from receiving guidance from Kitchen Table Advisors to serving on their Kitchen Cabinet, playing a key role in shaping initiatives that support fellow small-scale, sustainable farmers.
As the sun rises over Magaña Farms, it illuminates more than rows of diverse crops; it shines on a legacy of perseverance, sustainability, and the transformative power of community and family support. Bertha’s journey, made possible by the unwavering support of organizations like ALBA, KTA, and FarmLink, continues to inspire a new generation of farmers, proving that with the right support, even the most challenging fields can yield a bountiful harvest of success.
"It wasn't easy," she admits, her eyes reflecting years of hard-won wisdom. "But I never gave up. Every struggle was a lesson, every obstacle an opportunity to grow. Now, I want to make sure I'm giving back to the community that helped me get here."
To access fresh produce from Magaña Farm, register with Tera Farm.
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