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was 100 percent self-funded, and it was a real life experience as it
was important for me to learn by doing, I’ve always been a hands-
on learner. You know, education can come in many forms. At that
point it was definitely a one woman show, but I enjoyed the work
and learning.”
A:
“I owe so much
to FFA. It is such
an
amazing
program
because it teaches hands-
on learning: those basic
principles of a business,
record keeping, and looking at a project from start to finish. It is
the base for any business. FFA gives you many great tools to use in
anything that you do in life.”
How has FFA shaped
you as a person and
your career?
Tell me about your company, when it was
established and what you produce?
A:
“In the fall of 1994, I first started with just four products,
not knowing any better. Back in the day, I started roasting
in my mom’s kitchen until the Butte County Health Department
called, and I met with them, They brought a big book of rules and
regulations that I would have to follow to have a food product on
the market. I remember coming home and thinking, how am I going
to do this. Then my dad said “if there’s a will there a way. If it’s
something you really want to do, you will figure it out.” I was able
to save money and rent out time from commercial kitchen spaces. I
would make my products in the middle of the night, carting all my
supplies back and forth.”
Maisie Jane’s offers an online store
where you will find our top-quality nut
products and unique gift baskets for
every occasion.
A:
“Agriculture is definitely
the heart and passion
behind the company. For me
it is so rewarding to be able to
connect people to agriculture.
From taking a raw product that we grow from our own orchards
and having that connection, sharing that story, and that process with
consumers; it really is about educating people about agriculture. It
is a challenge for farmers to be able to tell customers how the food
got on their table so that they have an understanding, a respect, and
support for agriculture. I always tell my kids, “It’s your responsibility
in the future to make sure that we are not relying on importing all of
our food. We are a unique company because we are the producers
of the product we place on the shelves, and that is what makes the
story behind Maisie Jane’s.”
Why do you
love agriculture?
A:
“If you have an idea, there is
no better time than the present.
If you start young, you have nothing to
lose. If it doesn’t work out, you still have
time to start over. It does take lots of
hard work and passion, but as long as
you have that passion and interest the
work will come naturally. It is important
to be committed and persistent because
there will definitely be hard times, but
you should learn from challenges. I think
for any young person interested in agriculture, the best thing is to
learn by experiencing it - offering your time for internships. The most
valuable learning experiences are being hands-on.” •
What
advice can
you give
to students
that are
considering
a career in
agriculture?
In addition to the online store, Maisie Jane’s has
a storefront located in Chico. She feels blessed
by all the support the community has given her
company through the years.
California FFANEWS • PAGE 7 • Winter 2017
Maisie Jane with husband, Isidro and
their three daughters. Isidro farms 80
acres of almonds and manages the
manufacturing facility for Maisie Jane’s.