10/05/2026
Teo and Máxima Zarate, KTA clients and owners of Zarate Family Farm, have farmed for 15 years on Marin Agricultural Land Trust-protected land on Red Hill Ranch. On the property, they grow a variety of mixed vegetables, herbs, and leafy greens, including chicory, radishes, carrots, chives, and more. Teo and Máxima got their start as farm workers, and, after taking over the land lease from their previous employer David Retsky, quickly transitioned into business ownership. Zarate Family Farm is the dream Teo and Maxima spent years building toward, from working under David to actualizing their own vision of their relationship to the land and their community.
While Teo and Maxima have a deep connection to the land they farm on and the family who owns it, the couple hopes to eventually grow the business to a place where they can purchase their own stretch of ground and farm it, ensuring true stability for the farm and allowing them to one day pass their business down to their son. In this article from Marin Agricultural Land Trust, learn about Teo and Máxima, their journey into business ownership, and the importance of land stability on farms like theirs across California.
Lea esta historia en español When I first met Máxima Zarate, her warm, "¡Buenos días!" called out from beneath the brim of her hat, welcoming me to their
