The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is proud to partner with California Grown during Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) and California Farmer and Farmworker Month—to highlight the stories of Latino and Hispanic farmers who help feed our state and nation. Through this collaboration, we’re celebrating the resilience, innovation, and deep agricultural traditions that shape California’s farming communities.
Meet first-generation California farmer, Mel Resendiz. To Mel, being a farmer is more than just a job, it’s the fulfillment of a dream. “Being a farmer means that I have been able to achieve the American Dream.” said Resendiz “To own a business, own land, create jobs for family and others in the community, and to wake up every day doing something that I love doing.”
Starting out in Farming
Mel’s career in agriculture started in Mexico where he farmed alongside his three brothers. Then, in 1977, the brothers immigrated to California and continued to work in agriculture. Once in California, Mel took a temporary job at a protea farm. At that farm, Mel fell in love with flowers, eventually starting his own Protea Farm, Resendiz Brothers Protea.
Passion for Flower Farming
Mel’s passion for flowers is evident in the way he speaks about his flowers, and the care he takes in growing them. In 2018, Resendiz Brothers hosted an American Grown Field to Vase Dinner on their property. Over a hundred guests came to experience the beauty of their flower farm.
Today, the flower farm spans 100 acres and is home to an extensive selection of Protea, Pincushions, Banksia, Kangaroo Paws, Leucadendron, Filler Flowers and Foliage, as well as plants. Many of the varieties grown on site are hybrids, exclusive to Resendiz Brothers.
California Farmer Advice
Mel encourages people interested in farming to go for it. “Find something you are passionate about growing and nurturing, and once you have discovered what that is… don’t let it out of your sight. Keep in mind that farming is not a 40-hour-a-week job, it is a lifestyle. Farming can also be a risky venture, it takes money, time and a lot of patience to get started and survive.”
“Connect with other farmers who are growing similar crops as those relationships can be extremely valuable and fulfilling. I learned about growing proteas from California’s Protea Pioneers, Howard Asper Sr. and Dr. Peter Sacks. They were the best and they taught me everything I know about these amazing plants that thrive so well here in California’s Mediterranean climate,” added Mel.
Story featured on California Grown.
We welcome you to also visit California Grown’s new website — Experience California Agriculture — and discover how our state’s farmers, ranchers, and producers help shape ag across the Golden State.
Related: CDFA Recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 | September 15 – October 15.
Hispanic Heritage Month — Javier Zamora’s Journey from Farmworker to Farm Owner
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Kathy Topete and the Topete Family Farm Story
Resources: Farm Equity Office, Farmer Resource Portal