In 2000, I realized there was a growing need for farms to bring their offerings direct to the consumers. I started farming with a tiny plot in Scottsdale Community College’s garden, and grew from there to 47 acres to fill the need. In 2011, I was able to purchase a historical orchard property in Laveen, Arizona. Now known as Pinnacle Farms South, it became certified organic in 2015, and is slowly re-developing into a wonderful fruit orchard with many different varieties.
Much of my work in the past few years has taken shape in the preservation of the desert Southwest’s diversity. Many varieties are uniquely perfect for our arid climate and offer tastes and textures most have never encountered in the grocery store. In addition to preservation, Pinnacle Farms West is also a sustainable vegetable farm located on 40 acres in the West Valley under the White Tanks Mountains. Divided into three farms, two of which are certified organic, and all the farms are GAP-certified for food safety and handling practices.