Farmer Mario Alvarez is in his 3rd year at Big River Farms. He was a farmer in Guatemala and he and his family continue that tradition here in Minnesota, growing potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and a variety of corn from Guatemala that is used to make tortillas.
For Mario, family and land cannot be separated. He works on the farm with his wife and gets help from other family members.
Mario likes to be in contact with the soil and the land. He wanted to learn organic agriculture because it produces healthier food and protects the soil at the same time.
Mario says his Mayan ancestors were stewards of seeds and he continues that special connection to seeds.
His produce is sold to The Food Group’s agency partners so that their food shelf customers have access to fresh, nutritious veggies. He also sells to the Minneapolis Public Schools.
