CCOF Foundation

In 2005 Dale (Phillip) Anneler's grandfather bought 40 acres of land in a rural area and put Anneler’s name on the deed. He always told Anneler that this land could pay for itself if he used his head and was smart. When his grandfather died in 2008 and his father fell ill, he began to see the importance of fresh organic produce in his diet. After a long battle, his father lost his fight with cancer and Philip decided it was time to use his head and be smart just like his grandfather said.

David is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz who has centered his agricultural career around the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS). He has served his community as a student worker and as a youth mentor using sustainable agriculture as a tool for empowerment. He continues to develop his skills through the apprenticeship program at CASFS with the hope of sharing his knowledge with future generations.

Congratulations David!

Emilio Otontiopa was born on a ranch in Hildago, Mexico and began farming at age 11 growing beans, corn, cilantro, and squash. He immigrated to the United States when he was 19, and did irrigation for large farms. He went on to be an artichoke harvester, which was very hard work.

Fidel Lazaro was born in San Jose las Flores, an indigenous village in Putla, Oaxaca, and grew up on his grandmother's cattle and goat ranch. He also farmed his own land for five years while living in San Jose de Flores. When he was 18, Lazaro moved to the United States and spent eight years working in landscaping and 22 years as a harvester on a large organic farm.