Yerena Farms

FARMLAND: 22 acres in Royal Oaks, about 100 miles from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

PEOPLE: Brothers, Apolinar and Gilberto Yerena, along with 6 full-time employees and help from their sister, Berta, and other brother, Guillermo

FARM HISTORY/PHILOSOPHY: After growing strawberries for Driscoll with their parents for 12 years, Apolinar and Gilberto decided to lease their own farm. They began in 1982 growing conventionally, but in response to market demand converted 5 trial acres to organic. The organic fruit sold so well they eventually decided to transition the entire farm to organic. Presently, 10 acres are certified organic with the remaining 12 in transition.

SOIL: Sandy with a little clay. The sandy soil presents a problem with erosion so the Yerenas prevent the loss of soil by putting plastic around the perimeter of their farm.

WEED CONTROL: They use propane flame torches in the winter time, hand weed during the harvest, and cover raised beds in black plastic to prevent weed and fungal growth.

PEST MANAGEMENT: Beneficial insects: ladybugs for aphids and spider mites for mites.

WATER USE: The water on the farm comes from a well and drip irrigates the farm once a week in the winter and every 4 days in the summer.

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION: Presently, 10 acres are certified organic by MCCO (Monterey County Certified Organic) with the remaining 12 in transition.