“Amigo Bob” Cantisano
Robert “Amigo Bob” Cantisano (1951-2020) is one of the most widely experienced and influential figures in California organic agriculture and is perhaps best known as the founding organizer of the annual Ecological Farming Conference, which is the largest sustainable- agriculture gathering in the Western United States.
He was involved in early efforts to certify organic farms and products, helping to found California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), and he collaborated in the production of an early organic-products trade journal.
Cantisano has also worked as an organic farmer, growing a variety of crops over the years in a succession of California locations. His search for a reliable source of organic inputs led him to found a farm supply company, Peaceful Valley, which grew at an astonishing pace and currently operates under different owners in Grass Valley, California.
Recognized among conference-goers for his adept leadership of Eco-Farm’s popular bus tour of Central Coast organic farms—and for sporting trademark shorts and sandals no matter what the weather—Amigo has been involved with diverse aspects of organic foods and farming since the late 1960s. In 1990 he and his wife Kalita Todd received the Stewards of Sustainable Agriculture (Sustie) award from the Ecological Farming Association.
He had consulted with hundreds of small and large growers of fruits, vegetables, wine grapes, grains, and other crops—advising both organic farmers and those making the transition from conventional farming. Amigo Bob Cantisano understood those truths and worked towards an agrarian system that embodied them in the consciousness and the footprints of farmers.
In death Amigo continues to be a pioneer. He wanted to have his body composted in the world’s first human composting facility. Being an organic farmer, Amigo knew that compost is the foundation of all the best organic farming. It is the living, microbiology that makes minerals and nutrients most bioavailable, contributing to robust, productive and happy plants. It is only fit that he should be composted and become the living biology that will inoculate and nourish the composts, farms and gardens of others.
“There are far too many issues to address at once. It is overwhelming. Pick one thing to focus on and make some changes.”
Location: California, USA
Organization: Peaceful Valley
Website: 1) https://eco-farm.org
2) https://amigobobsorganics.com/
Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhIFzOthpJs&t=2s
Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfaGtg564fc
