In 2002, Carlos Sanchez and his sister, Santa America Mendez, saw potential in a neglected 13-acre orchard in Santa Paula. Grounded in agricultural knowledge passed down through their family in Mexico, they saw the land not as it was, but as it could be.
Rather than seek quick returns, they prioritized education and planning. Carlos pursued agricultural coursework to strengthen his understanding of soil health, irrigation, and plant care. Santa brought her MBA and two decades of farm management experience to lead the business side. Together, they replanted the orchard with avocados and rebuilt the soil, infrastructure, and systems needed for a resilient farm. By 2024, the land was thriving, offering strong yields and environmental resilience.
With their initial farm thriving, Carlos and Santa identified a neighboring 28-acre property as a strategic opportunity to expand sustainably. The land included avocado and lemon trees, housing, and a working well, key components for long-term viability and diversification.
“We saw the new property as a way to strengthen our business,” Carlos said. “Diversifying with lemons and expanding thoughtfully helps us reduce risk, meet market demand, and create more jobs in our community.”
Referred to by Gary Troester from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the siblings connected with California FarmLink. Through FarmLink’s low-interest loan program and personalized support from their Loan Officer, Alfredo Gonzalez, they secured the financing needed to move forward.
“Alfredo guided us through every step,” Carlos shared. “He made the process clear and took the time to ensure we understood everything. With his support, we reached a milestone we couldn’t have achieved on our own, and we are grateful for that.”
Now, Carlos and Santa will continue to grow their business with purpose, guided by sustainability, community insight, and strong partnerships. Their journey shows what’s possible when trust, knowledge, and access to capital come together.
