Conservation Stories: Hilda Sandoval of Hilda’s Farming

Hilda Sandoval of Hilda’s Farming is one of a growing number of Hispanic-owned family farm businesses in Whatcom County.

Hilda’s Farming sets up vibrant tables overflowing with peppers, squash, garlic, beans, edible flowers, and more.

The farms that bring color and flavor to our local farmers markets are some of the most visible examples of Whatcom County’s agricultural richness. Behind each bunch of greens and basket of squash is a person navigating the many challenges of direct market agriculture. These challenges can be even greater for individuals who face barriers to resources, understanding information in their preferred language, or institutional support.

Hilda Sandoval of Hilda’s Farming is one of just a handful of Hispanic-owned farm businesses in Whatcom County. She is part of a long and vital tradition of agrarian knowledge and food culture practiced by the Hispanic farmers across the region. Originally from the state of Hidalgo, north of Mexico City, Hilda grew up immersed in farm-to-table living—working with her family on their small farm and in their successful barbecue restaurant. Paired with a degree in business administration, Hilda’s path into agriculture blends deep cultural roots with entrepreneurial spirit.

Despite her success, Hilda, like many small-scale farmers, faces hurdles when it comes to accessing traditional conservation programs and USDA grant funding to support family farms.

When Hilda moved to Whatcom County nine years ago, she immediately discovered the Bellingham Farmers Market and set about learning how to be part of this vibrant local food scene. She began working at direct market produce farms in Everson doing field work and marketing. She worked her way up to managing sales at five Seattle farmers markets weekly and mentoring new employees. After five years working for other people’s businesses Hilda launched Hilda’s Farming as her own independent project in 2021.

The Community-Led Conservation Initiative is a collaboration between the Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom Conservation Districts. It is designed to build authentic relationships with farmers and local Conservation Districts through trusted Conservation Ambassadors, like Hilda.

Since then, Hilda has transformed a rented plot of fertile soil in Everson into a productive and promising farm business. At markets every weekend—from Bellingham to Seattle’s Capitol Hill and Magnolia—Hilda’s Farming sets up vibrant tables overflowing with rainbow chard, leafy greens, tomatillos, squash, garlic, beans, edible flowers, and more. Her passion for sustainable farming, her joyful connection to food, and her pride in being able to share Mexican gastronomic traditions radiate through every crate of vegetables.

Despite her success, Hilda, like many small-scale farmers, faces hurdles when it comes to accessing the traditional conservation programs and grant funding. That’s where Community-Led Conservation comes in. This initiative is a collaboration between the Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom Conservation Districts and the Northwest Agriculture Business Center with funding from the USDA  Natural Resources Conservation Service. Our goal is to build authentic relationships with farmers and Conservation Districts through trusted Conservation Ambassadors, like Hilda.

“I've always loved working outdoors; it allows you to have many incredible experiences and connect with people and nature. Sharing my experiences, customs, and a piece of my culture in a country I emigrated to continues to connect me with my roots and makes me always feel proud to be Mexican. When Katie contacted me about the Whatcom CD position, I didn't even have to think about applying. Sharing about the programs and grants available for farmers and helping them access information to grow their businesses is 100% related to my work and the community I live in every day.”

– Hilda Sandoval

As a Conservation Ambassador, Hilda has been working closely Whatcom CD through farm visits, and bilingual events, and farm field trips like this summer camp collaboration with Vamos Outdoors Project, she is helping connect new Hispanic-owned family farms in our community with vital resources and support.

Since joining the Whatcom CD team as a Conservation Ambassador, Hilda has been working closely with Farm Planner Katie Pencke and the Outreach team at Whatcom Conservation District. Through farm visits, field trips, and bilingual events like the Farm Speaker Series, she helps connect new Hispanic-owned, direct-market, farm businesses with vital services provided by the Whatcom Conservation District like soil testing, equipment rentals, small grants, and conservation planning services. The Community-Led Conservation Initiative also prioritizes listening to farmers to identify gaps and build resources that better meet their evolving needs.

One of those gaps is support for "agriculture of the middle,” small and mid-scale farms that have passed the startup phase but are still working to stabilize or grow their businesses. The years between three and ten can be particularly challenging. Strengthening skills like grant writing, accounting, business management, and technology often determines a farm’s success.

Farm planning and land stewardship are most effective when they’re shaped by farmers themselves. By working with producers like Hilda’s Farming, Whatcom CD is helping strengthen the resilience of diverse, small farms - resulting in better local food access, healthier soils and ecosystems, and more connected communities.

Farm planning and land stewardship are most effective when they’re shaped by farmers themselves. By working with producers like Hilda’s Farming, Whatcom CD is helping strengthen the resilience of diverse, small farms—resulting in better local food access, healthier soils and ecosystems, and more connected communities.

You can find Hilda’s Farming at her stall at the Bellingham Farmers Market and in Seattle. If you're a small market farmer looking to connect with Whatcom CD or fellow growers like Hilda, reach out today at FarmTeam@WhatcomCD.org or submit a Site Visit Request Form on our website.