Margartio grew up farming in Acapulco, Mexico. His parents grew corn, papaya, mangoes, watermelons, and coconuts, among other food. Moving to the United States, he decided to start farming again with his friends. They all enjoy being outdoors, and it’s important to them to keep their culture and farming tradition alive. For Margarito, having a farm is of personal significance because his mom will soon be coming to the United States and farming will help her feel at home.

One of the biggest challenges Santa Rosa is facing this year is not having the right equipment. Access to tractors and tillage equipment has caused some concerns for the farm this year. The Minnesota Food Association is addressing these concerns and working out options for the following years. New funding is allowing for the purchase of a tractor and other needed equipment.

This is Santa Rosa’s first year working with Minnesota Food Association. So far they have gained an interest in organic farming. When they were in Mexico and they had a problem, chemicals were always the answer. Now they like the idea of learning natural ways to overcome pest and disease problems.

Santa Rosa is selling their product through Big River Foods, farming 1.5 acres on which they are growing slicer tomatoes, grape tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, tomatillos, jalapenos, and Thai and Hungarian wax peppers. Their future plans include selling their product at the Saturday morning Farmers Market in Bloomington.

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