The Peach Farm

FARMLAND:18 Acres in Esparto, about 80 miles from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

PEOPLE: Ed George and his children, along with 9 part-time, seasonal employees

FARM HISTORY/PHILOSOPHY: Ed grew up on his family’s farm and after college decided to take a try at farming. Over the years, his product mix has changed in response to the customer feedback he receives at farmers’ markets.

The leasing of land has made it tough for Ed to obtain an organic certification; however, he plans to transition to organic on his new property. Having worked the markets for over two decades, Ed knows what the customers want: fresh fruit and vegetables. All of his crops are picked fresh and never refrigerated before going to the market.

SOIL: Ed keeps his soil healthy by planting during the summer season and cover cropping for the rest of the year. In addition to only farming one season, Ed rotates crops every summer and farms with little intensity. His low intensity farming allows the soil to recuperate faster, thus making it stronger. His cover crops include a variety of beans, peas, and grasses; all of which help prevent nutrient loss and fix nitrogen into the soil. All vegetable that are not picked and sold, are disked back into the ground adding a variety of nutrients. Ed uses a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (15-15-15) fertilizer (synthetic) as well as organic composts to promote healthy plant roots and growth.

PEST MANAGEMENT: Luckily, Ed has not run into many pests problems. Ed’s main crop is tomatoes and he transplants all of them from seedlings. This eliminates vulnerability during early growth and helps protect the tomatoes from diseases. Ed believes that if he keeps everything neat and clean, he will stay ahead of any disease and pest outbreaks.

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION: None.