57. Reimagining the CSA: Farming in Community w/ Alyssa Frutos

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Alyssa Frutos, co-owner of Ranchito Milky Way, a small organic vegetable farm in Bonita, California. Ranchito Milky Way operates across multiple urban plots, growing seasonal produce and distributing it through a unique, farmstand-style CSA designed to bring people directly onto the land. Rooted in organic and regenerative practices, Alyssa and her husband Christian are creating a space where people can reconnect with their food, their farmers, and the ecosystems that sustain them.Alyssa shares her journey into agriculture, from dairy farming and international work in the Peace Corps to co-creating a thriving, community-centered farm business. We explore the realities of small-scale farming, low-to-no-till soil practices, and the evolution of their farmstand CSA model. This conversation is both practical and deeply human, offering insight into what it looks like to build a farm rooted in relationship, curiosity, and care.Tune in to learn more about:Alyssa’s path into agriculture, from WWOOFing and dairy farming to international work and farming in San DiegoWhat it looks like to operate a farm across multiple urban plots, and the challenges and opportunities within that modelHow Ranchito Milky Way reimagined the traditional CSA into a flexible, farmstand-style experienceThe intention behind bringing customers onto the farm, and how it deepens connection to foodLow-to-no-till soil practices, composting strategies, and the use of Korean Natural Farming (Jadam) inputsWhy ongoing education (through courses, mentorship, and community) is essential for farmersThe relationship between growing and eating food, and why both are necessary for a thriving food cultureA reframe on pests, biodiversity, and what it means to farm in partnership with natureConnect + Learn MoreVisit Ranchito Milky Way: www.ranchitomilkyway.farmInstagram: @ranchito.milkyway.farmstandFarm Stand Hours: Sundays, 10am - 2pm (7275 San Miguel Rd, Bonita, CA 91902)Connect with Hannah: ⁠⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠Foundations in Land Stewardship:Alyssa will be one of the teachers in the upcoming Foundations in Land Stewardship program in San Diego, a 3-month, in-person farm school designed for aspiring farmers, land stewards, and anyone looking to deepen their relationship with land and food systems.Applications close on April 25th, with limited spots remaining and full scholarships available.You can find more details and apply here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠d