Apricot Lane Farm
Farmers: John and Molly Chester
Description: John and Molly Chester, a husband and wife team, left their job titles of ‘documentary filmmaker’ and ‘private chef’ to become farmers and pursue their dream vision of starting Apricot Lane Farms in 2011. They now have a thriving bio-dynamic farm located in Moorpark. The real difference in how their food tastes because of the health of their soil. It is in the minerals of the soil that flavor is enhanced and, most importantly, the nutrient-density of the food is built. Nutrient-rich ingredients are the critical element in the fermentation world, which is why we love working with this farm.
Earthtrine Farm
Farmer: Robert Dautch
Description: Robert (B.D.) Dautch has been growing some of the best produce in Santa Barbara and Ventura County for decades. He is well known to shoppers of the Ojai and Santa Barbara Farmer’s Markets. He farms in both Ojai and Carpinteria, producing a diversified portfolio of vegetables, herbs and fruits.
Frecker Farm
Farmer: Alex Frecker
Description: Frecker Farms was started in October of 2013 by a then 25-year-old Alex Frecker. After years of working for John Givens Farm based in Goleta, CA, Alex rented 3 acres in Carpinteria, CA and set out to start his own small organic row crop farm. “The days were long, and I wasn’t really sure what my goal was, but I knew that I wanted to take the knowledge and experiences that I gained working for John and apply them in a way where I too could grow vibrant, healthy vegetables and then market them in some way. “I think people were stoked to see a young guy who had boasted years in advance that he was going to have his own farm someday, now at that same market selling his own organic veggies, and really following through with his claims.”
Since 2013, Frecker Farms has grown from 3 acres to 20+ acre organic farm in the basin of the Carpinteria Valley and you can find him and/or his lovely farmers market crew in many Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles farmers markets.
Rancho Del Pueblo Farm
Farmer: Steve Sprinkel
Description: Steve Sprinkel is the farmer of the Farmer and the Cook, on 16 acres above the Ventura River, he grows the vegetables for the market, the cafes and for the 60 lucky members of our Community Supported Agriculture food buying collective or CSA.
Sol Y Mar Farm
Farmer: Andre Ryder
Description: Andre looks like he belongs on the beach rather than on a farm field. He has the characteristic sun and sea bleached blond hair and the spring of youth in his step. Perhaps this is an advantage of being 21 and living just a quick jaunt from the ocean, where he still loves to surf, though he doesn’t get to go much these days.
With someone so young, you would think that he was born into farming, but Andre was a self-proclaimed wild child. In fact, his path into farming started late 2013. As a teen, he would ditch school to go surfing, passing Wiley Connell’s farm, Stoke Grove Farm in Meiners Oaks (now home to Steel Acres Farm), every day on the way to the beach.
Ojai in general has been good to Andre. “I think I met the right people around here, who have all been great mentors. If I ever get really stumped with a question, I’ll go to Steve Sprinkel (farmer of Rancho Del Pueblo and owner of Farmer and The Cook in Ojai) and he’ll give me a poem or a little limerick and then tell me what I’m doing wrong,” he laughs. “He’s been really good to work with. He’s a great guy.”
Steel Acres Farm
Farmers: Emily and Tyler Stallberg
Description: Hello! We are a husband and wife duo with two little girls on a two acre urban farm in the heart of the Ojai Valley. We are proud to be certified organic. We are always working toward a greater regenerative, soil building, ecological farming practice that enhances the social and environmental systems at play. We offer produce of exceptional quality to area restaurants, retailers and neighbors. Use this website to order a weekly Farm Share and stay tuned for our page dedicated to our restaurant and wholesale customers.
Our mission is to grow good food while building community and nourishing our bodies.
Tutti Frutti Family Farm
Farmer: Chris Cadwell
Description: As one of the few remaining vegetable growers in an area better known for its pinot noir grapes, Tutti Frutti attributes its success to its unique location.
Located on the Santa Ynez River, far from polluting highways, the farm is surrounded by wilderness, guaranteeing a wealth of natural predatory insects. Fifteen miles inland from the Pacific coast, a coastal breeze minimizes mildew while evening fog slows the ripening process, a truly natural flavor enhancer! Through religious planting of cover crops like vetch and clover, Tutti Frutti is able to keep the soil healthy and mineral rich. The natural rhythms of the unique micro climate offer additional defense against pests and plant disease.
From our farm to your table, enjoy!
-The Cadwells
Yao Cheng Farm
Farmer: Jason Cheng
Description: Founded in 2001, Yao Cheng Farm is a certified organic farm based in Moorpark, California, specializing in certified organic Asian vegetables. Their local organically grown ginger root is in our Kimchi & Bio-Soda.
We are proud to support local organic farmers, like Yao Cheng Farm that benefit our micobiome’s by providing local, healthy bacteria and yeast for us to thrive!
Monarch Meadows
Farmers: Elizabeth Mallinson and Steve Temmel
Description: Monarch Meadows Farm and Apiary is located on 10 acres in Ojai California. They are part of the wildlife corridor and tend the land as a nature preserve. They specialize in organic seasonal produce, pasture raised duck eggs and vegan luffa sponges. They hope to offer our local honey starting in 2019 as well as locally produced mushrooms. Our 2 acre fruit orchard will be producing soon as it is now in its third year.