WHO WE ARE

Founded in 2023 as a call to action, FOCO is a farmer-led, Arizona-based movement fighting for the rights, resources, and recognition of marginalized producers. We are more than a nonprofit—we are a revolution, built by and for the farmers who refuse to be ignored.

We exist to reclaim power for farmers—to build a future where their voices shape the policies, resources, and opportunities that determine their survival. We are a movement, creating an inclusive space for radical, farmer-driven solutions that secure land, water, and livelihoods for those who feed Arizona.

WHAT WE DO

We were founded on the belief that farmers deserve a voice—a powerful voice in the fight for their future. Our movement was born from necessity, forged in resistance to the forces that threaten our land, our water, and our ability to feed our communities.

We stand to protect our most vital resource—water—ensuring that it sustains not just agriculture, but the rural communities that depend on it.

We create real opportunities for farmers, so those who nourish our communities can build livelihoods that are not just sustainable, but thriving.

We fight for a food system where land, people, and animals are respected—where farming is a force for regeneration, not depletion.

MEET THE BOARD

  • Chairman

    Arevalos Farm | Sulphur Springs Valley Produce Cooperative

    Aaron Cardona, a third-generation Mexican-American farmer, cultivates organic grains and vegetables at Arevalos Farm in McNeal, AZ—continuing a legacy started by his grandfather in the 1950s. Since 2013, he has rebuilt farm infrastructure, transitioned to drip irrigation and organic methods, and expanded production to supply CSAs, farmers' markets, schools, hospitals, and restaurants across Cochise and Pima counties. Known for its sweet melons and organic grains, the farm is one of the few producing non-GMO heritage Mexican June corn and the unique Frijol Mechudo bean.

    To combat the struggles of small farmers, Aaron founded the Sulphur Springs Valley Produce Cooperative, championing collaboration over competition to strengthen local farms and sustain Arizona’s food system.

  • With over a decade of experience at Whole Foods Market NYC, working from team member to leader, Jillian Werhowatz developed a deep understanding of the food system. In 2021, she turned her focus to growing food, starting as a volunteer in a community garden and later expanding her knowledge through the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension’s apprenticeship program.

    Now based in Douglas, AZ, Jillian cultivates row crops at Likha’s Veggies while serving as the Operations Manager of The Local Co-op, where she helps facilitate the movement of fresh, locally grown food from farms to communities.

  • Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona | Hormigita Farm

    Claudio Rodriguez (he/him) is a migrant from Sonora/Oaxaca, Mexico, now rooted in Tucson, AZ. As the Director of Policy and Community Organizing at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, he leads efforts at the intersection of migrant rights, environmental justice, and food security.

    A grassroots organizer, barrio campesino, artist, and storyteller, Claudio’s journey from gangs to gardens inspired the concept of "Armando Barrio, Barrio Campesinxs"—a community-driven approach that reconnects people to the land and empowers them with the tools to create lasting social change. His work centers on by the hood, for the hood solutions, using food and farming as pathways to resilience.

    With a deep passion for food systems, Claudio has developed environmental justice programs and curricula across the Southwest, building opportunities for green infrastructure and community self-determination.