Peixoto, a third-generation farmer, started his career early by hiring neighborhood kids to help him pick tomatoes on his family farm in the Pajaro Valley. Since founding Lakeside Organic Gardens in 1996, he has expanded his operation from 55 certified acres to 3,300 certified organic acres in California. Lakeside Organic Gardens now grows over 50 different organic commodities, available year-round, and distributed across the U.S. and Canada. Peixoto is deeply committed to sustainable farming practices, focusing on water conservation, energy optimization and promoting biodiversity.
When he’s not overseeing his fields or working at Lakeside’s custom cooler, Peixoto can be found at his farm-to-table restaurant in Watsonville, The California Grill, which serves fresh organic vegetables straight from Lakeside Organic Gardens.