Success Story: From The Land

From the Land Builds the Future of Food in Your Backyard

Small Business Featured: From the Land 

Location: Southern California | Riverside County | Yucaipa 

Business Type: Sustainable Farming Technology 

CalOSBA Partners: UC Riverside Office of Technology Partnerships (OTP)  

Assistance Received: Access to capital, technical assistance, and marketing advising  

Visit From the Land online.  

From The Land is a trailblazing organization focused on sustainable agriculture co-founded by Dr. Gina Oliver and Richard Hutchison. The pair recently celebrated the launch of Littlest Big Farm with a special event that brought together stakeholders, partners, and industry professionals. This cutting-edge solution addresses the urgent need for food security and economic development in urban food deserts, offering a compact, indoor vertical micro-farm that empowers individuals to grow their own food while generating a sustainable income.  

This milestone was a culmination of years of development, during which the company gained valuable insights and mentorship from UCR experts, which helped propel the development of their innovative agricultural solutions. From the Land participated in several UC Riverside Office of Technology Partnerships (OTP) programs, including Zero-to-Entrepreneur and the OASIS Pitch Competition. From The Land, together with their partner Huerta del Valle, successfully received a $250,000 grant from the Catalyst Fund.  

The Office of Technology Partnerships catalyzes the translation of UCR’s world-class research into products and services that benefit society. UCR EPIC SBDC’s mentors provide commercialization assistance to startups and emerging businesses, supporting their growth and development. By collaborating with the private sector, supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, and fostering innovation across the campus, the Office is committed to creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits students, faculty, and the community. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the support and guidance we’ve received from the UCR Office of Technology Partnerships,” said Dr. Gina Oliver, Co-Founder of From The Land. “Thanks to their mentorship and the insights we’ve gained, we are confident that Littlest Big Farm will make a lasting impact on the future of agriculture.” 

Littlest Big Farms address the dual challenge of food insecurity and economic stagnation, particularly in high-density urban areas. By providing a zero grid-tied energy solution, From The Land’s technology allows communities to grow food locally and sustainably while reducing operational costs and environmental impact. These farms are specifically designed to operate without external energy sources, eliminating costly utility bills and making sustainable farming accessible to all.  

Looking ahead, From The Land plans to expand its network of micro-farms across neighborhoods, cities, and countries. The company is also exploring opportunities for technological advancements, community collaborations, and sustainable energy partnerships. By scaling its model and fostering collaborations with like-minded organizations, From The Land aims to build a resilient food system that addresses global challenges while creating economic opportunities for all.  

Martin Kleckner, Director of UCR’s Small Business Development Center, praised From The Land’s efforts, stating, “From The Land’s Littlest Big Farms represent the future of sustainable agriculture. Their innovative approach is transforming food production in ways that empower communities and create economic growth.” Isabelle Bart, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at UCR, added, “This is a breakthrough model that showcases how local solutions can address global issues. From The Land is truly paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable food system.” 

For more information on From The Land’s Littlest Big Farm, visit https://fromtheland.us/. 

Learn more about The Office of Tech Partnerships and the EPIC SBDC program by visiting here. 

To see a press release for the event visit here. 

[April 14, 2025]