Hidden Star Orchards

FARMLAND: 80 acres in Linden (approx. 95 miles to the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market)

FARM HISTORY/PHILOSOPHY: Both John and Clazien come from Dutch farming families. Because farmland is scarce in Holland, John and Clazien's parents immigrated to California in order to farm land of their own. John and Clazien met and married here, and they raised seven children. In 1969 they started a dairy ranch in Linden, and then converted it to an apple orchard in 1985. Over the years they added other fruit trees such as cherries, peaches, nectarines, pluots, and grapes.

The Smits converted to organic practices in order to respond to the public demand for organic apples. They have found organic practices to be more labor intensive than conventional techniques, and it requires constant monitoring of their orchards. But they have also found it rewarding to meet the challenges of organic growing, and the conversion has encouraged their family to stay involved with the family farm. Johann began farming with his parents 10 years ago, and son Paul helps by selling the Smit's apples in Southern California. Even the Smit grandchildren pitch in by sorting apples!

SOIL: San Joaquin loam is amended with cover crops and compost.

WEED CONTROL: Burning, hoeing, mowing, and discing.

PEST MANAGEMENT: Pheremone disruption, owl boxes (owls prey upon voles), maintaining a habitat for beneficial insects, and discing to destroy vole habitat.

WATER USE: Micro-spraying water from onsite well.

WORKERS: 2 full-time helpers in addition to family members.

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION: Certified transitional organic since 2002.

(209) 483-8990 johann@hiddenstarorchards.com www.hiddenstarorchards.com

See a slideshow of a farm tour to Hidden Star Orchards >