Meet the Farmers
Tony Serrano, the founder of JAS Family Farms Organics, an organic diversified vegetable farm, has deep roots in agriculture. His family has a long history of farming in Mexico, with multiple generations working the land. While growing up in southern California, Tony was exposed to the dangers of chemical farming early on, working alongside his parents and siblings in industrial strawberry fields where toxic herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides were regularly used. This exposure led to near-fatal insecticide poisoning on two separate occasions during his childhood, shaping his commitment to chemical-free farming.
When starting JAS Family Farms, Tony was determined to create a healthy, sustainable farming system free from the toxic chemicals and poor working conditions that had harmed his family. His goal was to build an operation that produced nutrient-dense food, supported a thriving community, and fostered healthy farmers.
Tony’s ultimate goal with JAS Family Farms is to teach the next generation how to feed their communities while honoring and supporting the land. Tony hopes to pass on his lifetime of knowledge of farming and sustainability, ensuring the legacy of healthy agriculture continues for years to come.
Ecological, Social, and Economic Stewardship Practices
JAS Family Farms is first-and-foremost dedicated to passing the skills and knowledge necessary to grow food while caring for the land on to the next generation. To achieve this goal, the team at JAS Family Farms employs the following practices:
Ecological Stewardship:
All growing practices on the farm start with soil health, including at least yearly soil testing and continuously monitoring the impact of different practices on the health of the soil;
JAS minimizes tillage as much as possible and never tills when the soil is wet or it is raining;
Using dense population planting to reduce weed pressure and to maximize yields given they have established markets for the seconds;
Using crop rotations that focus on pairing beneficial crops;
Using drip irrigation on 95% of their land, with only 5% on a sprinkler system based on the type of crop and needs (i.e. cauliflower needs to be under sprinklers);
Effectively using IPM strategies including: beneficial insects, interplanting plants like marigolds, nasturtiums and alfalfa to deter pests.
Social Stewardship:
Donating and contracting with a local food bank and other local organizations;
Engaging with the local community through hosting school groups and promoting educational opportunities on the farm;
Focusing on creating a positive work environment which includes: more frequent and extra time on breaks, paid sick time, and distributing food to employees throughout the summer;
Economic Stewardship:
