For the past several years, our family has been drawn to the beauty and nature of Northern California. Escaping the city heat and all that comes with that to make the 5 to 6 hour trek up the coast to Carmel is completely worth the drive. The gorgeous vistas of Big Sur, the “17 mile drive” and all the farmland that are part of this trip instantly calms and relaxes even the most overworked individuals. One of our favorite stops along the way has been the Earthbound Farm Stand nestled in Carmel Valley. This a great spot to pick up flavorful, fresh organic fruit and load up on bags of granola not easily found in the greater Los Angeles area! Our most recent stop inspired us to dig a little deeper into their story which is both intriguing and inspiring to say the least.
Earthbound founders Drew and Myra Goodman were drawn to the natural beauty of Carmel Valley back in 1984. Originally from Manhattan, they decided to settle on a 2 ½-acre raspberry farm and committed to farming organically and producing foods they would feel happy about serving to their families and friends. In just a couple of years Earthbound Farm became the first company to successfully launch prewashed, packaged organic salad for retail sale. This was so successful that today you would be hard pressed NOT to find packaged salads in any grocery store!
In 1992 Earthbound Farm moved to a 32-acre farm in Watsonville, CA, about 40 miles north of Carmel Valley. They built a 9,000 square foot production facility to help expand their product line and bring as much organic produce to as many people as they could. In 1993 EB Farm began selling its salad greens to major food retailers, including Costco, Albertson’s and Safeway (Von’s). EB Farm partnered with 3rd generation farmers Mission Ranches bringing 800 acres of organic farmland into the fold. In 1996 Earthbound moved headquarters and processing to a 25,000 square foot facility in San Juan Bautista, CA. By 1998, Earthbound Farm became the largest grower of organic produce in the country with over 5,000 acres farmed.
The Goodman’s have received countless awards for their commitment to the environment and Organic Farming including Global Green USA’s Corporate Environmental Leadership Award, Fresh Cut Produce Award, Integrated Pest Management Innovator Award, Food Safety Leadership Award, Responsible Packaging Award, and the list goes on.
For more than 25 years they have been the country’s largest grower of organic produce. The Goodman’s still guide the company and their original commitment has never waivered.
Earthbound Farm’s organic café at its Farm Stand is a stop not to be missed. The food is prepared using seasonal harvest from its surrounding fields led by Executive Chef Sarah LaCasse. Her attention is focused on handmade organic foods reflecting the palette of the fields outside. Pastries are baked fresh early in the morning and go fast and most definitely should be eaten whilst still warm!
Another special aspect of the Farm Stand is the encouragement to explore their gardens. They have a Cut-Your-Own Herb Garden, chamomile aromatherapy Walking Labyrinth and a Kids’ Garden brimming with touchable foliage. During growing season they host a variety of special Saturday events including a Bug Walk that teaches kids about the beneficial bugs in organic gardens. Next year we’ll have to leave on a Friday to spend some time at a Saturday event!
Check out some photos from our recent visit…
Photos by: Devin Sarno
Special Thanks to: Samantha Cabaluna / EB Farm
