Juan Perez. Image Credit: California State University
Today, the business grows fresh produce on 10 acres and supplies weekly farm boxes to more than 500 local customers. Because it was only a 20-minute drive from his parents’ home in Castroville, allowing him to live on campus while returning home on weekends, he selected the university partly. As reported by California State University, Perez regularly welcomes elementary and secondary school pupils through the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s WATCH programme.
Juan Perez did not set out to become a farmer when he enrolled at California State University, Monterey Bay. Yet a series of summer internships helped him discover a career that brought together his interest in science, his family’s farming experience and a desire to build something of his own. What began with a single leased acre has grown into J&P Organics, a family-run organic farm in California’s Salinas Valley. As the first member of his family to attend university, Juan chose to study at California State University, Monterey Bay. A science course eventually caught his attention, particularly the opportunity to conduct research outdoors and work on practical projects. Education is another part of that commitment. He also hosts college student groups, giving them opportunities to learn about farming through direct experience.
Perez launched J&P Organics with his father a year before walking at his university commencement in 2007. He later completed his capstone project in 2009 and earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, technology and policy. The same organisation helped them buy the property in 2013, turning their growing operation into a more permanent family enterprise, according to California State University’s account of Perez’s journey.
Because he needed money for books, clothes and food, at first, the paid opportunity appealed mainly.
The turning point came when a professor encouraged him to apply for a summer internship at an organic farm, according to Juan Perez’s alumni profile published by California State University. He had little idea that it would influence his career so profoundly. The idea was straightforward. Juan had gained knowledge of organic farming, while Pablo brought decades of experience in agriculture. Together, they could combine those strengths and create a family business.