California Farm Trails

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Members of the California farm trail groups sell everything from oysters at the seashore to Christmas trees in the mountains.
Members of the California farm trail groups sell everything from oysters at the seashore to Christmas trees in the mountains.
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TOP: Orchard owners find they can make more by selling their fruit right on the farm rather than shipping it to distant markets. BOTTOM LEFT: A visiting family walks in among an orchard's apple trees. BOTTOM RIGHT: A grower inspects one of his trees.
TOP: Orchard owners find they can make more by selling their fruit right on the farm rather than shipping it to distant markets. BOTTOM LEFT: A visiting family walks in among an orchard's apple trees. BOTTOM RIGHT: A grower inspects one of his trees.

The owners of a growing number of small California farms–outfits which sell everything from oysters at the seashore to Christmas trees in the mountains — have found a delightful way to compete with large commercial growers. They’ve formed “farm trails” within their counties or general areas, and distribute maps that show the public each farm’s location and list the commodities it offers for sale. (Although most trail members market standard varieties of fruits, vegetables, and meat products . . . some specialize in such exotic items as Netherland dwarf rabbits and baby llamas.)

By selling directly to the consumers, “trail” farmers reduce their overhead on sorting, packing, and — most important in these days of climbing fuel prices — transportation costs. On top of that, they can generally ticket their goods at higher prices than they’d normally receive. At the same time, since the middleman is eliminated, their customers pay less than supermarket prices . . . get fresher, tastier, and more nutritious food than they could otherwise buy . . . and have a chance to take a close look at farm life, to boot!

From the Beginning

The first California farm trail was organized in 1983, when a group of independent apple growers located in El Dorado County’s gold country banded together to form the Apple Hill Growers’ Association. Most of the farmers operated small (one- to two-acre) orchards, and some were already selling their produce at roadside stands. However, they felt that if they could just attract the public’s attention they could increase their business.

Therefore — at the start of the harvest season — radio, television, and other media people were asked to visit the orchards and sample fresh-from-the-tree apples (and fresh-from-the-oven apple goodies). The press picnics were a rousing success, and the Growers’ Association was soon well-known.

  • Published on May 1, 1980
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