People
Marsha Habib and Modesto Sanchez Cruz, along with 5 full- and 3 part-time employees
Farmland
18 acres in Hollister, about 90 miles to San Francisco
About
Marsha Habib started farming as a one-woman, one-acre operation to serve the community and create urban and rural connections. Oya Organics gradually grew to more acreage as her partner, Modesto, and other people joined the farm. They now grow year round on 18 acres, but aim to keep the operation small enough to stay close to the needs of their farmland, team members, and community. Oya Organics uses agroecological practices to take care of and build resilience in the soil, plants, and people. They rotate between about 50 annual crop varieties including tomatoes, squash, leafy greens, beans, peppers, peas, and herbs, while allowing weeds and insects to coexist in a healthy ecosystem.
Certification
Certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers since 2012
Fun Fact
Marsha’s grandparents farmed rice in Okayama, Japan, while Modesto comes from a self-subsistence farming family in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Location
Hollister, California
About CUESA
CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) is dedicated to growing thriving communities through the power and joy of local food. Learn More »