January 1st, 2009 by Bob Klein
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The farm was originally a nut tree orchard. The Toms sold almonds and walnuts to local bakeries (for 25 cents a pound!) Gradually the orchard gave way to a widening variety of produce. The farm eventually became profitable when they started selling at a number of farmers markets…
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January 1st, 2009 by Bob Klein
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Maria Catalan is a former field worker. In 1994 she was exposed to organic farming practices at the Rural Development Center in Salinas. Frustrated with working with middlemen and food brokers as well as getting paid too little too late or not at all, she decided that direct marketing might be a better avenue to explore…
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January 1st, 2009 by Bob Klein
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Martin owned a different farm from 1990 – 1999, then he took a few years off. He begin working his current farm in 2003. He wants, and has wanted from the beginning to create a “chef’s kitchen garden.” …
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January 1st, 2009 by Bob Klein
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“Fully Belly’s system includes: growing and marketing over 80 different crops; providing year-round employment for farm labor; using cover crops that fix nitrogen and provide organic matter for the soil; developing innovative marketing strategies; and planting habitat areas for beneficial insects and wildlife…
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