Interview with Miguel Avendaño Reyes of Siembra Y Cosecha
You grew up on a farm in Oaxaca. What was that like? What were some of the best parts and some of the challenges?
The best part was being able to forage food, like mushrooms, natural weeds, and wild fruit. We also ate deer, rabbits, birds, wild chicken and turkey and even an armadillo. Growing up there just meant having access to nature. We drank spring water and survived off the land.
The challenges: To be able to sell our produce, we would have to walk over 5 hours to the city. Our donkey would help us carry the produce.
What made you decide to continue this work?
I have a great love for nature, being able to see what the soil produces brings me so much joy. I also want to be able to feed my family chemical free food. I want them to have the same access to the clean food I grew up with.
How long has Siembra y Cosecha been around?
3 years now. We started in 2021.
What was your relationship with food and cooking growing up?
It was challenging at times. We didn’t have a stove or a fridge. When we cooked, we had to harvest everything at the time we needed it. We cooled our drinks by digging holes in humble areas. My relationship with food and cooking growing up taught me the meaning of sustainability.
What’s your favorite part about your work today?
Eating all the veggies, fruit, and herbs I grow. I no longer need to buy produce. I have the cleanest food at my farm that my family and I enjoy everyday.
What’s your favorite thing to eat for dinner?/meal to cook?
SALADS! In a bowl, I toss cucumbers, peppers, cilantro, onions, beets, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, and carrots. Then I top it off with a little lemon and avocado.
What’s a day in your life look like?
I wake up, stretch and meditate. I make a smoothie with my produce, then drop off my kids to school. I head to the farm and do farm duties. Then I pick up my kids. I have a second job - I own an ice cream business, so after I pick up my kids, I head over to my second job and then if I have time, I have dinner with my family.
What are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?
Play with my dogs
Take my family to theater, the lake or the mountains
My free time is spent with my family
If you could share one thing with your customers about the work you do, what would you want them to know?
I grow my produce with ancestral knowledge to be able to offer it to my community clean food, clean of chemicals, just like my parents taught me, and their parents taught them. This is my way of honoring my family legacy.
I also want to thank Luke’s Local and their customers. Market access has been my biggest challenge and Luke’s Local has helped me grow. We are so grateful for their support.
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