If you’ve ever driven through Reedley, chances are you’ve seen the vibrant blooms and colorful produce stand that belongs to Sweet Girl Farms. Behind it all is Liset Garcia, a farmer who blends her cultural roots, creativity, and passion for community into everything she grows.
Liset didn’t originally set out to become a farmer. In fact, she earned her master’s degree in public health and thought she’d be working in that field. But in 2019, when her parents’ idea to rent out a small farm stand fell through, she stepped in. What began as a side hustle quickly became something much bigger—especially during the pandemic, when neighbors turned to her farm for fresh, organic produce.
Over time, Liset realized that flowers had a special place on the farm—not only were they beautiful, but they were also a viable crop that brought joy and connection. With the help of her dad, who became just as excited about flowers as she was, Sweet Girl Farms became one of only about twenty farm stands in the region to stay open year-round.
“I wanted to leave a legacy and represent myself,” she says about the farm’s name. “I am the sweet girl.” And that legacy is growing each season.
Rooted in Heritage
For Liset, farming is deeply tied to her Latinx heritage. Her parents, originally from Oaxaca, dreamed of a different kind of farming life in the U.S.—one where machinery and tools could make their hard work more sustainable. Liset carries those dreams forward, drawing from regenerative agriculture practices her dad learned decades ago and applying them today with intention.
Her farm also reflects culture through crops: nopales, tunas, tomatillos, epazote—staples in many Mexican households. But her growing philosophy doesn’t stop there. She’s branched out into crops influenced by other food cultures too, from Japanese and Chinese eggplant to okra. What started as a way to connect with her own roots has become an offering of cultural exchange through food.
Representation Matters
One of the challenges Liset has faced is being seen as a farm owner in an industry where Latinx families are too often only recognized as farmworkers. “People didn’t believe I could be the farm owner,” she shares about her early experiences in the Central Valley.
Through her work and her bold presence on social media where she proudly calls herself a “Latina Flower Farmer” she’s shifting that narrative. Her visibility has inspired others and created space for Latinx farmers to be recognized not only as laborers but as leaders, innovators, and business owners.
Flowers, Rituals, and Shaved Ice
When asked what she’s most proud of, Liset doesn’t hesitate: flowers. From the very beginning, flowers were at the heart of Sweet Girl Farms, and they continue to be a source of beauty, creativity, and community joy.
Farming is hard work, but Liset has learned to carve out time for herself, whether it’s going on runs with her dogs and goats or simply bringing flowers inside the house to enjoy. And when it comes to produce, she has a delicious summer ritual: freezing peaches or watermelon and turning them into a refreshing shaved ice treat.
Words of Wisdom
For new farmers just getting started, Liset offers practical advice:
- Focus on 3–5 crops and get really good at them.
- Take advantage of every resource available.
- Be scrappy and resilient if you can make it through the struggles, you’ll know you can accomplish anything.
Here for the Community
What sets Sweet Girl Farms apart is Liset’s approach to farming as more than a transaction. Her stand is a space for connection, culture, and representation. It’s about showing up for her community and leaving behind something lasting.
As Liset puts it, “I’m here for the community.”
