Erasmo Flores came to North Carolina in 2005 with a dream in mind and agricultural experience inherited from his family in Veracruz, Mexico. The son of a farmer, he had helped his father in planting peanuts, sesame, garlic and pipián.
“I worked with him and that was where I learned a little about agriculture,” Flores told Enlace Latino NC . “I really love it, I like the countryside.”
When he moved to North Carolina, Flores started as a part-time worker at Harland's Creek Farm, a farm organic in Pittsboro. As he progressed, he became familiar with various agricultural activities, from preparing the soil to planting, harvesting and marketing products.
His dedication did not go unnoticed. Judith Lesler, the owner of the farm where she worked, recognized her efforts and offered her a unique opportunity: to become a partner in the business in 2016.
“He gave me the opportunity and invited me to join his team as a partner… now that I have more knowledge and experience, I'm taking charge of the ranch,” Flores explained.
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The jump from agricultural worker to partner
The transition process from employee to partner was not easy for Flores.
“It was a pretty traumatic process at first,” he said. “I had to learn not only about farming, but also about running the business.”
Additionally, Flores enrolled in English classes and studied agricultural theory through books and online videos to complement his practical experience.
“I arrived and the first thing I wanted was learn the language, then I enrolled in school, I was studying for almost 10 months. I learned a little, enough to communicate,” Flores said. “When they invite me as a member they also take me to learn, not only the agricultural issue, but also the administrative issue.”
In 2018, Yoli Nill, Erasmo's wife, joined the farm operations. His brother Leobardo Flores Garcia and a family friend Raúl Quintero also work with him.
“If there is going to be someone in your job, there must first be trust, loyalty and dedication, because if there are not those points, I believe that things do not work,” Flores explained.
Aorganic and regenerative farming
Harland's Creek Farm is notable for its focus on organic farming, growing produce such as tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans and okra in an environment that favors high temperatures.
The farm, certified organic, uses 100% organic seeds and fertilizers and manages pests manually, in contrast to conventional farming techniques that can deplete and exploit soil resources.
Erasmo Flores has carried with him the principles of regenerative agriculture that he learned from his father in Veracruz, Mexico. This philosophy not only promotes respect and care for the land, but also seeks to restore soil health and improve the quality of life of farmers.
“Thanks to my father I learned all this and it was the best inheritance they could have left me, learning how to work the land, how to make it produce without exploiting it,” Flores said.
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Distinctions of conventional agriculture
Angelina Oliva, Sustainable Agriculture program supervisor at Central Carolina Community College, explains that organic, sustainable and regenerative agriculture is an alternative to conventional agriculture that often causes exploitation.
“Regenerative, sustainable and organic agriculture offers a more natural and traditional channel, where people and families are valued,” Oliva explained to Enlace Latino NC .
The Flores family also collaborates with Central Carolina Community College by offering mentoring for students. This type of collaboration not only enriches the educational experience, but also strengthens ties with the local community.
“There is a real need for farmers in the area and we want more people to be encouraged to enter the business,” Flores said.
Flores observes that young people in the Latino community are less interested in agriculture than previous generations. Oliva attributes this trend to the traumas associated with conventional agriculture.
Hispanics make up more than 80% of farm workers in the United States. However, only 3% of the farms are owned by Hispanic businessmen like Erasmo.
“Regenerative, sustainable, and organic agriculture offers an approach more aligned with the system we come from, being more natural and traditional,” Oliva explained. “It values people and families, which is why many businesses in this sector are family-run, involving the entire family and new generations.”
Egg and flower production
In addition to vegetables, Harland's Creek Farm produces 6 to 8 dozen eggs daily.
"These hens are naturally in their environment. The entire process of an organic egg, especially if it comes from a small farm like this one, allows those animals to live happily and pass that health on to people," Oliva said.
They also have a garden of dahlias, gladioli, rudbeckias, zinnias and sunflowers, among other flowers.
"The landowner has used this part of the land for a garden, so it gives us the opportunity to cut and sell it," Erasmo explained.
Sales and distribution
The primary distribution channel for Harland's Creek Farm products is its subscription program. Customers pay in advance and receive a box of fresh vegetables each week for 30 weeks, from March to November.
This subscription model ensures constant income and a direct relationship with consumers, guaranteeing fresh, quality products throughout the season.
In addition to this program, Flores sells on Saturdays at the Durham Farmers Market, located at 501 Foster Street, and supplies products to several local restaurants.
“We are receiving quite a lot of positive feedback from our customers, so that is what keeps us going and drives us to move forward,” said Erasmo Flores.
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After the storm
A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
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Proud countryman triumphing in foreign lands, as General E. Zapata said, the land belongs to those who work it. Greetings to the countrymen. May God continue to bless you always.