Manuel Diaz Gonzalez

Manuel F. Díaz González is a Senior Civil Engineer at American Farmland Trust, where he helps build and lead the organization’s first in house engineering capacity within the Farm & Ranch Services program. A licensed Professional Engineer with more than 16 years of experience, he delivers agricultural and conservation engineering solutions that strengthen farm viability while protecting soil, water, and natural resources. Manuel’s expertise spans CAD based design, GNSS/RTK surveying, and the planning, design, and oversight of complex agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation and drainage systems, farmstead and livestock facilities, waste storage facilities, water management practices, and stream crossings.

Prior to joining AFT, he spent most of his career with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, providing NRCS grade designs and technical leadership across Washington, Utah, Idaho, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, and Massachusetts. He holds a BS in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Idaho and a Master in Civil Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez. Known for his outgoing, collaborative style, Manuel is a clear communicator who enjoys mentoring, leading trainings, and working directly with farmers and interdisciplinary teams. Raised on a diversified livestock and vegetable farm, he brings a practical, farmer centered perspective to every project. His farming and ranching upbringing continues to shape his farmer-centered approach to engineering and conservation. He lives with his wife and their two daughters, who keep him grounded and inspired.