My name is Celsa Ortega and I am 32 years old. I am from the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. Growing up in the mountain ranges with my grandparents, we harvested a ‘milpa’ and I quickly grew fond of my grandparents love and dedication for agriculture. I now have four children, three boys and one girl ranging from 13 to five years old. My family and I arrived in the Salinas Valley in 2006, and we have since been field workers. I enjoyed working in Greenfield, CA harvesting cilantro by contract. This job provided well for my family with the high pay and hours that I was able to achieve. A past coworker invited me to her land under ALBA and I was in complete shock to see what mother nature can grow. I witnessed several crops that I had yet to recognize and it motivated me to apply to ALBA. I wanted to be part of the farm-to-table movement and learn to farm organically. Over time I have learned that organic farming not only takes care of the land but of my own health and my family’s. I enjoy contributing to the organic and farmer lifestyle by providing healthy food choices to those around the world. I hope to be a great example to my own children throughout my life and for them to be aware that field work is enormously important and worthy.
Congratulations Celsa!
Por favor, únase a nosotros para felicitar a los beneficiarios de las Becas para Futuros Agricultores Ecológicos de la Fundación CCOF.