Aaron Cardona is a third-generation Mexican-American farmer who farms organic grains and vegetables at Arevalos Farm in McNeal, AZ.  The farm, which Grandfather Gilbert Arevalos started in the 1950s, continues to operate with the support of 3 generations of the Arevalos Bloodline.  Since 2013, Aaron has been rebuilding the infrastructure on the farm, converting to drip irrigation and utilizing organic farming methods.  The belief was that organic farming was the best way for small farms to make a living wage.

In addition to the traditional summer farm stand crops of old, the farm now has something in the ground year-round.  The farm’s organic produce is sold through CSA, farmer’s markets, schools, hospitals and restaurants in both Cochise and Pima County.  The farm is known for producing the sweetest watermelon, cantaloupe, and canary melon in the area and has added garlic, onions, carrots, cabbage and broccoli to its winter rotation.  It is currently one of the only supplying of organic grains because it produces the non-GMO heritage corn, Mexican June, as well as its genetic dry bean creation, Frijol Mechudo.

Due to the many struggles that small farmers face, Aaron founded the Sulphur Springs Valley Produce Cooperative.  With a motto of collaboration instead of competition, the co-op works together and markets collectively to provide quality organic produce to the local food shed.  In the current works is the establishment of the nonprofit, F.O.C.O. (Farmers Organizing and Creating Opportunities), which looks to “create a space for marginalized farmers’ voices, that will build opportunities, resources and political power to ensure their future in Arizona.”