Zarate Couple Becomes Independent Owners of Petaluma Farm

Teo and Maxima Zarate now operate the 15-acre Red Hill Ranch after 17 years of working for the previous owner.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Organic Food

Zarate Couple Becomes Independent Owners of Petaluma Farm

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Teo and Maxima Zarate have transitioned to independent farm owners at Red Hill Ranch in Petaluma. The couple, who previously worked on the land for 17 years, aims to achieve financial independence while continuing organic production.

Why it matters

This transition marks a significant shift for the 15-acre farm as the previous owner relocates vegetable production to the Eastern Coachella Valley. The change allows the Zarates to maintain local organic cultivation while establishing their own business.

Red Hill Ranch operates on a 15-acre plot that maintains organic certification through the Marin Organic Certified Agriculture agency. The property is currently protected by the Marin Agricultural Land Trust.

The players

Teo Zarate

He is a farmer at Red Hill Ranch who speaks the endangered Teotepec Eastern Chatino language.

Maxima Zarate

She is a farmer at Red Hill Ranch who has lived in Petaluma since 2006.

Marin Agricultural Land Trust

This organization acts as the protective body ensuring the long-term preservation of the farm land.

Marin Organic Certified Agriculture

This is the regulatory agency that provides the organic certification maintained by the farm.

Jason Zarate

He is a student who plans to join the family business after completing his high school education.

The details

The farm, located in Petaluma, serves as a hub for organic crop production which the couple manages by rotating seedlings into a greenhouse during cold seasons. Teo and Maxima Zarate sell their produce directly to the public through local farmers' markets.

The Zarates began a 17-year tenure at the ranch starting in 1999.
Maxima Zarate relocated to Petaluma in 2006.
The couple officially became owner-operators of the farm in 2026.

Culture Shift

The transition to independent operation reflects the broader move toward preserving small-scale, locally owned agricultural spaces under land trusts like the Marin Agricultural Land Trust. This shift highlights the survival of family-run farms against the regional trend of larger commercial relocation.

Local shoppers can continue to access fresh, organic produce directly from the farm at area farmers' markets. This change supports the local economy by ensuring the 15-acre plot remains active and under the stewardship of long-time residents.

The takeaway

The Zarates' journey from farm workers to owners illustrates the importance of land preservation programs in sustaining small-scale agriculture. Residents can support this transition by choosing to purchase produce directly from local independent growers.