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For many small-scale farmers, land ownership isn’t just a goal, it’s the foundation for financial stability, self-reliance, and generational wealth. Yet, the dream of owning land is often overshadowed by financial hurdles and the uncertainty of leasing farmland year after year. But for Antonia Vega Gonzalez, these obstacles were not roadblocks; they were stepping stones. With perseverance, strategic planning, and the right support, she transformed uncertainty into opportunity, proving that farmworkers, too, can become farm owners.
Antonia and her husband, Jose Juan Pulido Garcia, spent more than two decades as farm laborers in California's strawberry fields, developing experience in every aspect of production while nurturing an entrepreneurial vision.
"I started at a very young age," Antonia recalls. "By the time I was 7 or 8, I was already working. My parents took me to work in the strawberry fields. That was the only work I knew."
Over the years, Antonia's experience evolved into something deeper: an understanding of strawberry farming practices and an ambition to build something of her own. She recognized that remaining a farmworker would limit her opportunities, so she began seeking paths toward agricultural entrepreneurship.
In 2018, Antonia enrolled in El Pájaro CDC's Women's Business Education Program, a 12-week course that covers the essentials of launching and managing a small business. Upon completion of the course, Antonia first learned about California FarmLink's lending services. Eventually, Antonia and Jose secured their first operating loan with FarmLink, enabling them to launch Dulce Organic Farms on leased land in Royal Oaks.
“The team helped me with the loan application process, and it was simple," Antonia shares. “That loan gave me the push I needed to move forward.”
Despite their extensive farming knowledge, the transition to farm ownership came with a steep learning curve. Antonia and Jose initially planted all ten acres of their leased land, unaware of the financial implications of managing such a large operation.
"I made mistakes," Antonia admits. "The weeds overwhelmed the strawberries, and we lost a lot of money that year. We had no idea how much it would cost to grow strawberries on one acre, let alone all ten."
Over the years, Antonia and Jose refined their approach and strengthened their operation. "By the fourth year, we finally understood how to grow high-quality strawberries," Antonia explains. "Now, we have the knowledge to produce better fruit in larger quantities."
By 2023, after five years of leasing and business development, Antonia and Jose were prepared for the crucial next step: purchasing their own land. California FarmLink played a pivotal role in this transition, arranging a joint financing agreement with the USDA Farm Service Agency that enabled them to purchase 23.27 acres in Royal Oaks — transforming Antonia and Jose from tenant farmers to landowners.
"Owning this land means we can focus on growing our business for the long term," says Antonia. "Before, we never knew if we'd be able to stay on the land from one season to the next. Now, we can plan for the future with confidence."
California FarmLink's commitment extends beyond financial support, and invited Antonia and Jose to participate in our El Resilerador™ program, a course designed for Spanish-speaking farmers to strengthen financial literacy and business planning skills.
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"The course was great for me and my husband," says Antonia. "The instructors have an incredible ability to break down complex topics into clear and understandable lessons."
Antonia and Jose have completed the course a few times, each time deepening their business acumen. "We feel much more confident now than the first time we took the course," she shares. "The strategies we've learned have given us the tools to manage every aspect of our business."
With secure land tenure and enhanced business skills, Antonia is not merely maintaining her operation, she's actively planning for significant growth. In 2025, she is growing mixed vegetables while preparing for transition to organic strawberry production, but her vision doesn't stop there.
"Our goal is to expand by another five acres," Antonia states confidently. "We've already mastered the process of growing and harvesting high-quality strawberries, so I think we're ready to increase production."
This planned expansion demonstrates how land ownership creates a foundation for farm owners to build upon, moving from survival to strategic growth. With stable land tenure, Antonia and Jose can now make long-term investments that would have been impossible during her years as a tenant farmer.
Dulce Organic Farms exemplifies what’s possible when farmers receive the right support. With access to capital, education, and land, they’re not only building their businesses but also shaping a more resilient agricultural future.
"We knew we could grow high-quality organic strawberries, but without stable land, our future was uncertain," Antonia explains. "FarmLink believed in us from the start. They gave us the chance to grow. Not just crops, but a business, and I can say in confidence that my business wouldn’t exist without California FarmLink."
By securing land ownership, Antonia and Jose are redefining who will sustain productive farmland in California. Their success highlights how targeted support for farmers contributes to a more resilient and equitable food system, where agricultural knowledge gained through years of labor can lead to business ownership and wealth-building opportunities.
As they enter their first full year as landowners, one thing is certain: this is only the beginning for Antonia and Jose. With their determination and the support they’ve received, the possibilities for growth and impact are limitless.
You can find Dulce Organic Farms produce through Coke Farms.
