Carlos Aguilera is a farmer and agricultural leader with deep experience across food production, farm labor, and agricultural workforce development. His career has included farming as well as human resources work in New York’s dairy industry, where he trained and hired farmworkers and supported farmers in navigating state and federal labor requirements. His experience has given him a practical understanding of the challenges small-scale and beginning farmers face, including access to capital, infrastructure, stable markets, and other resources necessary to build resilient farm businesses.

Carlos and his wife, Lorena Mendoza, own and operate West Haven Farm, a 10+ acre certified organic farm in Ithaca, New York. West Haven is home to Ithaca’s longest-running Community Supported Agriculture program and provides produce directly to its community through its CSA, farmers markets, local stores, and restaurants. Carlos and Lorena emphasize healthy soil, ecological resilience, and strong relationships between the people who grow food and the communities they serve.

Carlos brings to Potlikker’s Board the perspective of a farmer, employer, and advocate committed to strengthening opportunities for farmers and agricultural communities. He works collaboratively with beginning farmers and other agricultural partners to share knowledge, experience, and resources, with particular attention to building more resilient and equitable food systems.