Almost as much a teacher as he is a farmer, Mike Braga dedicates much of his time to educating others about organic orchard systems. As manager of the Sherman Thomas Ranch in Madera, Braga raises almonds, prunes, pistachios and raisins on 600 acres - a large-scale organic operation that has been a model for others. Taking advantage of the ranch's bounty, Braga began marketing nuts and fruit to overseas organic markets, selling at a premium.

Braga was one of the first growers to join such well-respected California groups as Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) and the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). In this second group, Braga became chapter leader for three high-producing counties, helping others convert to organic farming practices by inviting farmers to his ranch and volunteering his expertise on their farms. He also teaches Fresno State University graduate students and helped spearhead an organic farming conference that drew 200 participants.