I Love My Farm Life: Patricia Miller

Patricia Miller, California Farm Champions 2023 Farm Advocate of the Year presented by Community Alliance for Family Farmers, sat down with HERLIFE Magazine recently to share her dedication to family and community.

HLM: How long have you lived here? What do you love most?
PM: I grew up in San Francisco in an Army family, on the Presidio, and moved to Stockton more than 30 years ago. I’m retired from the Stockton Police Department as a senior community service officer/supervisor; I’m community engagement manager, Edible Schoolyard Project Stockton, and project director, African American Farmers California. When I moved to Stockton, I was amazed at the unique environment Stockton offered; community was rich with culture, heritage and legendary roots in family traditions and legendary structure in agriculture and research built around systemic racism around health, education and business. I was able to build relationships of trust for many reasons and the relationships have lasted over time.

HLM: How is your heart inspired to serve the community?
PM: My heart from a child has been to nurture children and families through many lenses and portals. I have many family members who have been of service, starting from my parents, who are my heroes; even though they are no longer alive, their most powerful traits live in me. In my current role, I have been an advocate in changing what food justice and systemic racism look like for food-insecure families. It has been so amazing to see how change is truly appreciated for families of all races and cultures.

HLM: Top three bucket list goals?
PM: Finding my family ancestors, who were farmers/producers in South Carolina; growing my CSA Business March 2023; extending my resources in growing African American Farmers California and California Black Farmers Rising.

HLM: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
PM: Raising two beautiful, accomplished children in Stockton.

HLM: Can you describe a key event that had an impact on your life?
PM: Retiring from Stockton Police Department and living my best life as a Black ag farmer and producer in San Joaquin County.

HLM: How is your time spent outside work?
PM: Working in the soil and cooking with flavor for family and friends.

HLM: Do you have a favorite quote?
PM: Be the change you want to see in this world; understand our change counts.

HLM: What are you currently reading?
PM: The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones

HLM: Favorite food or dessert?
PM: I love food, if I had to choose one, beautiful seasonal vegetables that add color in a stir fry with flavor created by my ancestor that is real flavor! Dessert, homemade ice cream, my
grandmother’s recipe!