LJ MAINGARD

Farm Programs Manager

Born in a rural village nestled within the breathtaking Cape Point Nature Reserve at Africa’s southern tip, Lj’s roots are deeply connected to nature. After graduating top of their class in Culinary Artistry, Lj left South Africa as a chef in search of a new home—and found it in California. They vividly remember the first time cooking with vegetables grown just 20 feet from the kitchen; the intense aroma and flavor were unlike anything they’d experienced before.

Lj is continually inspired by the profound lessons farming offers—the rhythms of the earth, the science of growth, and the deep connection between people and the land. This awe and curiosity fuel their work as Farm Programs Manager, where they bring passion and insight to every project.