The Coastal Plainer: Fall 2011

Georgia Producer Highlight: Rancho Alegre Farm

By Cindy Haygood, Chairperson, Georgia NRCS Civil Rights Advisory Committee, and Chris Groskreutz, Georgia Hispanic Special Emphasis Program Manager

The Georgia Civil Rights Advisory Committee strives to ensure equitable program delivery to all NRCS customers. We have all had the opportunity to meet and interact with a wonderfully diverse group of farmers and landowners across the state. Although we may all have different backgrounds, we are obviously linked by our common love for the land and our passion for agriculture.

Because National Hispanic Heritage Month was honored recently (September 15th to October 15th), I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the Quintero family. First-generation farmers Pilar and Juan Quintero started their farm in 2004 after acquiring a 21-acre event center in Gwinnett County, Georgia. After being inspired by farmers in their native Colombia, they realized the potential of agritourism and have developed the “Rancho Alegre Farm.” They soon delved into raising Paso Fino horses and offering riding lessons and later transitioned into producing and marketing locally grown and organic fruits and vegetables. They also host educational events for the public as well as private special events.

Pilar and Juan are originally from Colombia, but their three sons were born in the United States. They have lived in Gwinnett County (a booming suburb about 30 miles northeast of Atlanta) since Pilar was 7 years old. Pilar says, “Even though farming and agriculture is very strong in our country, neither my husband nor I had ever farmed before.” They were greatly influenced by family and friends in agricultural operations in Colombia. In addition to their Paso Fino operation, Pilar and Juan now have a large garden that uses organic practices; they raise milk cows, goats, meat chickens, and layers; and they grow worms and make compost. They also have plans to expand soon.

The Quintero family enjoyed partnering with the Upper Ocmulgee River RC&D Council to host an equine management workshop as well as developing and implementing their NRCS-developed conservation plan. They have participated in the EQIP program to enhance the farm’s natural resources and reduce the impact of their livestock. Pilar states, “We have had lots of visits from NRCS on ways to improve our natural resources, of which I am very passionate about.”

Civil rights is more than just equal opportunity…it’s about celebrating our diversity and rich heritages and sharing experiences. For more information on the Georgia NRCS Civil Rights Advisory Committee and Georgia civil rights programs, feel free to visit our Web site at http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilrights/crindex.html or call Chairperson Cindy Haygood at (770) 832–8942 (ext. 3).

The Quintero family.

< Back to Newsletter Archive...