Balakian Farms

FARMLAND: 75 acres located in Reedley, about 200 miles from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

PEOPLE: Ginger Balakian and her daughter Amber; with support from Ginger's husband, Clarence Robinson and her parents, John and Stella Balakian, along with 4 full-time and up to 20 seasonal employees

ABOUT: John and Stella Balakian bought the property over 50 years ago, and their daughter Ginger was born and raised on the farm. Ginger and her daughter Amber Balakian are now the co-owners and co-managers of the farm. Amber recently completed her masters degree in business management at Harvard University. She is committed to taking over managing Balakian Farms as a fourth generation farmer

The Balakians farm not just as an occupation but also as a way of life. Ginger’s grandfather was an immigrant from Armenia who planted a vineyard in the Reedley area over 75 years ago.

At Balakian Farms, workers are considered part of a large extended family. During the busy summer harvest, everyone pitches in to help sort and pack a wide variety of produce.

SOIL: White ash fertilized with humus and other organic amendments

WEED CONTROL: Plowing, disking, hand hoeing, and hand weeding

PEST MANAGEMENT: Organic sprays, beneficial insects

WATER USE: Drip and sprinkle irrigation, fed by ditch and well water

WORKERS: Family members and four year-round employees

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION: Guaranteed Organic Certification Agency (GOCA) since 2002