As opposed to conventional methods of farming focused on producing larger quantities for consumption, we use an integrated system utilizing our natural resources to minimize the impact we have on our environment. This increases soil quality and ultimately provides a higher level of nutrition in our food. We reduce the use of fossil fuels and work with nature to capture CO2 and further regenerate the planets health. We do this through the use of cover crops, crop rotation, companion planting, animal integration and compost.

We do not use chemicals as fertilizers or pesticides for pest control. We manage soil fertility through crop rotations, companion planting, cover crops and compost. Our animals are not given any growth hormones or antibiotics. Our chickens are free range, scavenging our fields for forage and supplemented with a USDA certified organic feed and only secured inside at night to protect them from predators.

Conventional farming is one of the largest contributors to the destruction of the environment and global health decline. Farming to produce larger quantities of singular crops and animal products destroys biodiversity of the land. It strips the land of nutrients from overuse, forcing the use of artificial fertilizers, and promotes an overpopulation of pests normally managed by natural predation. This in turn forces the use of pesticides and destroys forage and habitats for local animals. The chemical fertilizers and pesticides wash into our water systems poisoning not only ourselves but life in our rivers, gulfs and oceans. They are responsible for the mass die-offs of fish and other organisms. This is ultimately forcing the collapse of our planets food chain. Every time we make a purchase, we cast a vote. The more we vote for sustainable practices and healthier choices, the more prevalent it will become and we can heal our food system. Whatever your choice is, your vote counts!

Sustainable practices follow a closer path to nature, allowing it to take its course and regenerate what has been taken away. Balance is restored among animals, insects and the enviroment and prevents the need to artificially manipulate food production practices. The earth is currently experiencing an exponential increase of CO2 into our ozone, drastically impacting our weather patterns and temperatures. Sustainable farming practices have the ability to collect CO2 from our atmosphere and sequester it back into the earths soil. That is HUGE! Not only can we prevent our practices from damaging the planet, but we have the power to make it better.

Dos Campesinos is proud to offer its membership program PICAFLOR. By participating in PICAFLOR, you are committing to leveling the playing field for our underserved communities and making a contribution to healing our planet. Since sustainable practices are not widespread, organic farming can be more cost intensive, which means market prices exclude low income individuals from the market. We believe safe and nutritious food should be available to everyone. Until sustainable practices become more widespread and costs can be shared across the entire market, we are commiting to doing what we can to level the field. With your PICAFLOR membership, you will not only receive member exclusives and benefits, but you will be making a commitment to spread the love to other members of our community and further the movement towards sustainable farming practices. Through this program, we partner with socially disadvantaged communities to offset costs of healthier food choices, make donations to other programs to provide support in our communities, as well as give access to education, training and equipment. PICAFLOR will also be sponsoring socially disadvantaged beginning farmers to give them access to education, resources, and equipment while they begin their farming endeavour. You can find more information on our program with our PICAFLOR link.

There are many ways your choices can make a difference! Every time you make a purchase, you are casting a vote for what you want. Let your voice be heard! Here is how you can help;

Shop Locally- By supporting local businesses, you are strengthening your local food system and you are cutting down on carbon emissions from transport and processing.

Don't Just Look For Organic- Organic does not necessarily mean sustainable or ethically produced. Organic also does not necessarily promote the animal welfare benefits of sustainable farming and does not necessarily translate to healthier food choices. In order to battle the epidemic of obesity, we need to consume more whole foods and less processed.

Support Businesses Focused On Conservation Of The Land- Look for systems more in line with a model that mimicks nature. While technology is awesome and makes some great contributions it is no substitute for thousands of years of evolution.

Shop Farmers Markets and CSA Programs-This cuts out the middle man. This reduces emissions from transport, packaging and processing. It prevents the need for large scale monocropping culture and instead fosters a direct relationship with your farmer. You will know where your food is from, how it is produced and it will often times result in less pollution from unnecessary packaging. It will also strengthen your local food supply system and its farmers.

Try Replacing Regular Use Items With Resusable Items-The more we can cut down on unnecessary items and replace the ones we do need the less waste we will have and the less carbon emissions we will have from the production of our goods. Ask yourself when buying, "Do I really need/want this?" and "What will happen to it when I am done with it?"