Hispanic Heritage Month spotlight — Brisa Ranch

As Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15) draws to a close, CDFA would like to profile Brisa Ranch of Pescadero (San Mateo County) and its co-owner, Veronica Mazariegos-Anastassiou. Growing up with roots in Guatemala and Venezuela, Veronica's journey into agriculture began during her time as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa, where she developed a deep respect for subsistence farming.

Since 2018, Veronica and her business partners, Cole and Cristobal, have grown Brisa Ranch into a diversified fruit and vegetable operation. Located on California's coast, the ranch benefits from a unique microclimate, allowing them to grow greens year-round and cultivate crops like tomatoes, peppers, and heirloom varieties of squash and corn. These crops not only reflect their cultural backgrounds but also meet the demands of local markets and communities. With Cristobal's Oaxacan heritage and Cole's Greek roots, Brisa Ranch has embraced diverse agricultural traditions.

The challenges Veronica and her partners face, like many small-scale farmers in California, are multifaceted. Land tenure and housing are significant obstacles, along with the unpredictable impacts of climate change, such as heavy rains and wildfires. Despite these hurdles, the ranch is committed to sustainable farming, employing cover cropping, crop rotation, and minimal tillage that prioritizes soil health and biodiversity. Flowers are grown to support pollinator habitats, further enhancing the ecological balance on their farm.

Veronica's passion extends beyond the fields. As a member of the Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee at CDFA, she helps represent the needs of small and minority-owned farms. She is also spearheading efforts to establish a food hub, which would connect local producers in San Mateo County with school districts and underserved communities.

"We have worked with four school districts that include Santa Cruz City Schools, Live Oak School District, San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, and Alum Rock Union School District. We have also sold via regional food hubs that are working with school districts in other parts," said Veronica. "We feel strongly about working with school districts to make sure local and organic produce is making it to school kitchens. As part of our work, students have visited our farm, and we have sent a member of our team to the schools to speak to the students."

Veronica hopes that with the additional support being provided to schools and farms to strengthen the farm to school supply chain, she will be able to increase the number of school districts served and collaborate with other farms to distribute produce more efficiently. Through these efforts, Veronica is optimistic that more accessible and equitable food system can be created, ensuring that fresh, locally grown produce reaches those who need it most.

Veronica Mazariegos-Anastassiou and Brisa Ranch is a powerful example of how culture, sustainability, and community intersect in California's agricultural landscape. The ranch is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Latina women farmers helping to shape the future of farming.