Golden Eagle Farm: A Model for Sustainable Tribal Agriculture

Nestled on 600 acres of land in Ramona, California, Golden Eagle Farm is an example of revitalization and innovation. Operated by the Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians and managed through the Mesa Grande Business Development Corporation, the farm is more than a place of cultivation—it’s a growing symbol of the Tribe’s vision for economic prosperity and land stewardship.

Golden Eagle Farm operates on 16 acres of a 600-acre parcel acquired by the Tribe in 2017 and 2021, with 480 acres placed into trust in 2025. Since operations began, the farm has been transforming with the support and guidance of the Intertribal Agriculture Council's (IAC) Technical Assistance Network. Through this collaboration, the farm was connected with key resources, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the local Resource Conservation District (RCD), to support long-term conservation and planning.

Photos shared by Essence Oyos, Mesa Grande Business Development Corporation

As the farm continued to grow, ongoing guidance from IAC connected them with valuable US Department of Agriculture (USDA) resources and training to improve soil health and protect the valley's precious water table. Adopting these practices ensures that the land will remain abundant and viable for future generations. The farm currently produces 250 pounds weekly, aiming to grow another 200 pounds per month as part of the Farm to School program. Farming operations are partially sustained by a two-year CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant, with most funding allocated to farmer wages. 

In June 2024, Golden Eagle Farm earned USDA Organic certification on 520 total acreage, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable practices and honoring long-held agricultural traditions. Additionally, in 2025, the farm renewed its license to use the Made/Produced by American Indians trademark, certified through IAC's American Indian Foods program—a trusted symbol of authenticity that protects Indian producers and consumers from counterfeit and misrepresented Indian-made products.

I am so grateful for IAC and its dedicated team. Golden Eagle Farm and its team of producers has benefited tremendously from the on-the-ground technical assistance, educational, and leadership support which IAC has generously provided consistently year after year.

—Essence Oyos, Mesa Grande Business Development Corporation

Looking ahead, the farm is deepening its roots—literally and figuratively—by working with local Tribal seed stewards to reintroduce Native plant varieties and strengthen community connections. Though the work is ongoing, Golden Eagle Farm continues to evolve as a model for sustainable Tribal agriculture rooted in tradition, guided by community and strengthened through the ongoing support of IAC.

Are you a certified “Made/Produced By American Indians” trademark user and wish to share your story with IAC? Our Communications team is always looking to capture and share your stories! Please contact us at info@indianag.org to connect.

Find out if your business qualifies for the trademark on the IAC website!