Longtime Farmers Take Over Petaluma Organic Farm

The Zarate family now owns the 15-acre Red Hill Ranch, continuing their local organic crop production.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Organic Food

Screen-print poster illustration showing a wooden greenhouse in a misty field, representing local organic farming and community heritage. — Teo and Maxima Zarate have transitioned to owners of the 15-acre Red Hill Ranch in Petaluma, securing the local farm's organic future. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Teo and Maxima Zarate have transitioned from long-term employees to independent owners of Red Hill Ranch in Petaluma. The couple now manages the 15-acre organic farm, continuing their commitment to local agriculture.

Why it matters

The transition secures the future of a long-standing local food source while enabling the Zarates to achieve financial independence. The farm remains under the protection of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust, ensuring the land continues its organic output for the community.

Red Hill Ranch is a 15-acre site maintained under organic certification by the Marin Organic Certified Agriculture agency. The operation spans a 17-year history of agricultural production in Petaluma, with the transition to owner-operator status finalized in 2026.

The players

Teo Zarate

An experienced farmer who, along with his wife Maxima, has operated Red Hill Ranch for 17 years and is a native speaker of the Teotepec Eastern Chatino language.

Maxima Zarate

An experienced farmer and owner of Red Hill Ranch who moved to Petaluma in 2006.

Marin Agricultural Land Trust

A conservation organization that protects agricultural land in the region, including the acreage managed by the Zarates.

Marin Organic Certified Agriculture

An agency that provides and manages organic certification for farms, ensuring crops meet specific production standards.

The details

Teo and Maxima Zarate manage organic crop production by utilizing a greenhouse to rotate seedlings during the cold season. By selling their produce directly to local customers at farmers' markets, they maintain a direct link between their harvest and the community. The farm continues to operate on land protected by the Marin Agricultural Land Trust, ensuring stable agricultural use.

1999: Start of the Zarates' 17-year tenure at the ranch.
2006: Maxima Zarate moved to Petaluma.
2026: The Zarates became the owner-operators of Red Hill Ranch.

Health Landscape

The transition at Red Hill Ranch highlights the importance of preserving local, organic agricultural sites through institutions like the Marin Agricultural Land Trust. This model secures regional food access while supporting the economic stability of growers who contribute to the local ecosystem.

Consumers in Petaluma can support local nutrition by purchasing seasonal produce directly from the farmers at local markets. Familiarizing yourself with the growing practices of your local farms helps you make informed choices about the organic food available in your community.

The takeaway

The transition to independent ownership preserves a critical source of organic produce in the Petaluma region. Residents can support local agricultural resilience by choosing fresh, seasonal items grown by independent, community-based farms.