ALBA - Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association

🌿 From Student to Farmer: Alejandra Madrigal’s Journey 🌿 Meet Alejandra Madrigal, a former PEPA participant who’s now thriving as a first-year farmer. Here she’s seen carefully sorting and packing frisée, a specialty salad green she’s grown herself. 💬 “Farming is in my heart,” Alejandra shares. “ALBA gave me the tools and confidence to turn my dream into a reality.” Alejandra’s passion for sustainable agriculture shines through her dedication to her crops and her love for the land. Programs like PEPA empower farmworkers like Alejandra to transition into successful farming careers, supporting their families and contributing to the sustainable food system. 🌱 Learn how ALBA helps farmers build their futures: www.albafarmers.org. #FarmerSpotlight #PEPAProgram #SustainableFarming #FutureFarmers #ALBAStories

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of equality, justice, and empowerment. At ALBA, we carry his vision forward by creating opportunities for all. 🌱 #MLKDay #ALBAFarmers #EqualityInAction

🌟 Big news! ALBA is honored to receive a $225,000 grant from CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) to support Equity in Nutrient Management Education on the Central Coast! This funding will enhance our farmer incubation program by providing Spanish-speaking, socially disadvantaged organic growers with vital knowledge in soil fertility, plant nutrition, and irrigation management. Together, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable future for our community! Thank you, @CaliforniaDepartmentofFoodandAg, for supporting this important work. 🙏 #ALBAFarmers #SustainableFarming #OrganicAgriculture #EquityInFarming #NutrientManagement #CDFA #FREPGrant #CaliforniaFarming

🚜 Building Confidence Behind the Wheel! 🚜 At ALBA, hands-on training is key to empowering future farmers. Under the guidance of ALBA’s Sustainable Farming Advisor, Albert Fraide, PEPA students learn how to prepare the ground for farming using tractors. This essential skill not only boosts their confidence but also sets them up for success in managing their own farms. Once they graduate, ALBA continues to support them by providing access to tractor rentals at subsidized rates—helping to lower the barriers to starting a farm. 💬 “This training gives us the tools we need to succeed as independent farmers,” shares one participant. 🌱 Learn more about how we’re empowering the next generation of farmers at www.albafarmers.org. #SustainableFarming #PEPAProgram #FutureFarmers #FarmTraining #TractorSkills

🪲 Not All Bugs Are Bad! 🪲 PEPA graduate Venancio Reyes is sharpening his skills in pest identification, a critical aspect of sustainable farming. Through hands-on training, he’s learned to recognize beneficial insects that naturally control harmful pests, reducing the need for toxic pesticides. 💡 “It’s not just about killing bugs. We’re learning to appreciate the ones that help us protect our crops,” Venancio shares. This knowledge empowers farmers to grow responsibly while nurturing the environment. 🌱 #SustainableFarming #PEPAProgram #PestManagement #FutureFarmers

🌱 ALBA Supports Innovative Solutions in Agriculture! 🌱 We are thrilled to see the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) awarding $1.15 million to support vital research and education projects aimed at improving nutrient and irrigation management! 💧✨ These initiatives are key to promoting sustainable farming practices, protecting our natural resources, and supporting the agricultural community. At ALBA, we are proud to be part of a network that prioritizes environmentally responsible farming and equips farmers with the tools to thrive. This funding will directly benefit projects that empower growers with knowledge and resources to optimize water use, reduce environmental impact, and ensure long-term success. 🌎💚 🔗 Read more about this impactful initiative here: https://lnkd.in/gA2uR-4e Together, we’re cultivating a brighter future for California agriculture! 🌟 #SustainableFarming #IrrigationManagement #NutrientManagement #CDFA #CaliforniaAgriculture #ALBAFarmers

🐞 Sustainable Pest Management in Action! 🐞 PEPA students recently joined Martin Guerena from the National Center for Appropriate Technology for a field day focused on sustainable pest management. 💡 The goal? Teaching participants how to use integrated approaches that protect crops and eliminate the need for toxic pesticides. This hands-on training equips future farmers with the tools they need to grow responsibly and sustainably. 🌱 #SustainableFarming #PEPAProgram #PestManagement #FutureFarmers

🪲 Sweeping for Success! 🌿 Meet Gonzalo Najera, a former PEPA student and now thriving as a 1st-year farmer! Here he’s “sweeping” for insects in the field, which he’ll later identify in the classroom. Through his training at ALBA, Gonzalo learned that not all bugs are bad—in fact, many beneficial insects play a vital role in controlling harmful pests naturally. 💬 “Understanding the balance of nature is key to farming sustainably,” Gonzalo shares. This knowledge helps farmers like Gonzalo grow healthier crops while protecting the environment. 🌱 🌟 Learn more about our programs at www.albafarmers.org. #SustainableFarming #PEPAProgram #FutureFarmers #OrganicAgriculture #FarmingWithNature

🌱 Empowering Future Farmers! 🌱 The PEPA (Programa Educativo para Agricultores) program by ALBA is transforming lives in the Salinas Valley by helping farmworkers become independent organic farmers. 📸 Meet Yuni Silva, a PEPA participant, proudly harvesting frisée, a specialty salad green grown as part of ALBA’s crop trials. Each year, ALBA pilots new crops in their demonstration fields to identify profitable and sustainable options for future farmers. 💬 "Learning how to grow and market new crops gives us opportunities to thrive in farming," Yuni shares. 👉 Visit www.albafarmers.org to learn more! #SustainableFarming #PEPAProgram #ALBASalinas

🌟 Happy New Year from ALBA! 🌟 Thank you for supporting our mission to empower farmworkers and build a sustainable future. Here's to a fruitful and inspiring 2025! 🌱 #HappyNewYear #SustainableAgriculture #ALBASalinas