It began as a fight to protect small family farms — and grew into a way of life.
At People, Food and Land Foundation, we carry forward that legacy by restoring soils, supporting local food systems, and cultivating resilient relationships between people and place.
Roots of People, Food & Land Foundation
In the early 20th century, the federal Reclamation Act promised to bring water — and opportunity — to small farmers across the West. But by the 1960s, that promise was being diverted. In California’s Central Valley, massive agribusinesses were receiving taxpayer-funded irrigation intended for 160-acre family farms.
In response, journalist and organizer George Ballis and a coalition of farmers, students, and community members launched National Land for People (NLP) in 1974 to challenge land consolidation and water injustice. They exposed fraudulent land deals, filed lawsuits, and created food-buying clubs and co-ops rooted in care, access, and local control.
To expand legal advocacy and public education, they established National Land for People Foundation (NLPF) — a sister nonprofit focused on regenerative farming, composting, and people-centered food systems. In 1983, NLPF evolved into People, Food and Land Foundation (PFL) and relocated to the Sierra foothills, where it launched the Sun Mountain Research Center — a living laboratory for sustainable living, seed stewardship, and ecological learning.
At Sun Mountain, George gradually became known as “Elfie,” embracing a playful, land-rooted identity as he shifted from political activism to planting seeds of transformation. Maia followed the rhythms of the seasons, harvesting herbs and edible flowers from their hillside gardens and preparing wild tea blends for friends, guests, and monthly “Food Exploring” gatherings. Together, they turned their home into a sanctuary of experimentation and joyful reverence for the Earth.
“The revolution isn’t just in the streets—it’s in our kitchens, our gardens, our everyday choices.”
—George Ballis“Regeneration isn’t just what we do—it’s who we become when we live in rhythm with the land.”
—Maia Ballis
What began as a fight over water became a lifelong practice of restoration—of land, of community, and of self.
