Lucero Organic Farms

FARMLAND: 29 acres in Lodi on several parcels (approximately 98 miles to Ferry Plaza Farmers Market).

FARM HISTORY/PHILOSOPHY: Ben Lucero credits the proliferation of farmers markets around the San Francisco Bay Area with his ability to become a small, independent farmer. He grew up in a family of farm workers and, as a young man, worked as a hired hand himself. Not totally happy with that way of life, he tried to develop his own organic farm in Santa Cruz on a part-time basis in the 1960s while still working as a hired hand. But the fluctuation of prices from wholesale buyers made his small business unsustainable. It wasn't until the farmers market movement got into full swing in the late 1980s that he was tempted to try again by selling directly to consumers rather than to wholesalers. This time around it's been successful.

Ben and Karen ensure that their products are top quality and flavorful. "If it doesn't taste good," says Ben, "then I won't bring it to market."

SOIL: Depending on the parcel, the soil types vary from a light sandy loam to a rich, dark, crumbly loam. Each is amended with an organic compost that contains no animal products. Fish emulsion and cover crops enrich the soil with nitrogen, a key plant nutrient. Crop rotation also helps to prevent depletion of minerals in the soil.

WEED CONTROL: Hand and machine cultivation.

PEST MANAGEMENT: Crop rotation, selection of resistant varieties, hand removal, creation of habitat for beneficial insects, owl boxes to control rodents.

WATER USE: Water is sourced from the Mokelumne River and is delivered to plants via drip tape.

WORKERS: Two full-time helpers and three seasonal workers assist as needed.

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION: CCOF since 2002