Amigo Cantisano

Since 1974 -Amigo has done diversified small organic farming in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Northern California growing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, berries, nuts, nursery stock and animals. He is devoted to teaching young people farming and homesteading skills through apprenticeship and education. Currently farming at Heaven and Earth Farm on the San Juan Ridge, Nevada County, CA.

In 1972 he founded We The People Natural Foods Cooperative. Developed and managed retail store and wholesale distribution company. The wholesale division is a parent of Mt. Peoples Warehouse, which, in turn is the parent of United Natural Foods, the country's largest organic and natural foods distributor. See www.unfi.com. During this time, Amigo designed and built a propane powered, refrigerated delivery truck as a model of alternative energy. Also developed a recycling center to facilitate recycling and transportation for recyclables from North Lake Tahoe, CA.

In 1976 he founded Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, one of the nations largest and oldest organic farm and garden supplies. During this time Amigo developed the most extensive line of organic products in the U.S., serving thousands of farmers and gardeners throughout the U.S. and Canada. Produced, wrote and edited catalogs, manuscripts and technical bulletins. Invented and refined dozens of products and techniques. Created the modern version of an organic farm and garden store. The business was sold in 1989. Amigo remained as a researcher, agronomist and consultant for 10 years. See www.groworganic.com

In 1987 he founded Organic Ag Advisors, the nations first organic crops advisory service. Amigo has provided consulting services to more than 600 organic and transitional farmers, compost facilities, and processing facilities. He has advised on the conversion of more than 100,000 acres to certified organic status, with clients worldwide. Provides a wide array of production and marketing related advising. Provides technical research, advice and product evaluation for organic fertility and pest control manufacturers. See www.askamigo.com

In 1992 he founded Aeolia Organics. Aeolia is the first organic olive and olive oil producer in the U.S. Amigo produced numerous award winning olive products and farmed 65 acres of organic olives. Developed organic processing technologies and all facets of a small organic growing and processing company. Sold the company in 2005.