Regeneración/ Regeneration is a new startup non-profit organization, fiscally sponsored by SSRF, that serves both rural and urban Latine farmers and Latine agricultural professionals in California providing technical assistance (business, financial, food safety, pest management, crop planning, soil health improvement, irrigation, etc.) and service providers (advocates, educators, on-farm staff, cooperative extension specialists and small farm advisors, federal or state government agencies that work with small farmers, and any other professionals throughout the supply chain.) Here are some of the projects being developed.
The Marigold Collective is more than a flower project. It is a movement of memory, culture, and community.
We are small-scale, regenerative farmers of Mexican heritage on California’s Central Coast, alongside Mexican agricultural professionals and artists. Together, we grow marigolds, cempoalxóchitl, the flower of the dead, as a living expression of tradition and collective care. From seed to bloom, every part of this work is carried out by Mexican hands and hearts.
The Marigold Collective envisions a thriving community where small organic farmers of Mexican heritage preserve and share their rich cultural heritage through the cultivation of marigolds, a sacred flower in Day of the Dead traditions. By promoting sustainability, regenerative practices, and the value of consuming locally, this initiative creates a cherished annual tradition that honors farmers, strengthens community bonds, and celebrates the beauty of Mexico’s cultural and agricultural legacy
The Farmer’s Resource Mobile / El Móvil de Recursos para el Agricultor
The Farmer’s Resource Mobile / El Móvil de Recursos para el Agricultor Latine is a mobile, face-to-face on-farm technical assistance service to farmers, including help in developing and keeping financial records, filling out applications and forms required for loans, certification and granting agencies, and permitting and farm management. The Resource Mobile will support Latine-owned and operated small farms in California face significant economic and social challenges, particularly in the areas of management and operations.
Josefina Lara Chavez, the founder and executive director of Regeneration, is currently providing direct assistance to Latine farmers. However, the travel involved is time-consuming. A small travel trailer will not only serve as a mobile office but also provide overnight accommodations while reducing travel time and enhancing service efficiency. Regeneration is uniquely dedicated to addressing the specific needs of Latine farmers. Its specialized focus ensures that Latine growers receive the tailored support and resources they need to thrive. Instead of establishing a permanent office, which could be more costly and less flexible, we are offering a mobile office solution similar to a bookmobile. This approach is projected to save approximately $50,000 over three years compared to a fixed location.
We have purchased a small house trailer to be Resource Mobile. Your help will play a crucial role in supporting Latine farmers and helping them build successful and productive operations in our four-county region. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in their agricultural journey.