Matt served in the Army, including a deployment to Iraq where he became interested in Iraqi farmers. Upon returning home Matt attended CASFS – Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems at the University of California, Santa Cruz. FVC then assisted Matt in obtaining his first farm management position in 2008.
In 2009, he began Shooting Star CSA, in Northern California, with fellow CASFS graduate Lily Schnieder. They now raise 15 acres of organic vegetables and have over 250 CSA subscribers. “I realize that in order to succeed I don’t need to travel endlessly. Like the plants, I can become a part of the environment and create a more meaningful bond with my world.”