People

John Vars, Mike Irving, and Teresa Kurtak, along with about 25 full- and part-time employees.

Farmland

60 acres in Pescadero, California, about 50 miles from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

Farm History

Graduates of the UC Santa Cruz’s Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) farm and garden program, John Vars, Mike Irving, and Teresa Kurtak founded Fifth Crow Farm on a shoestring budget in Pescadero in 2008. They pride themselves in values-driven farming based on economic viability, social justice, and ecologically sound practices. The young farmers offer a diverse array of certified organic leafy greens, root vegetables, dried beans, flowers, apples, and more. 

Certification

California Certified Organic Farmer (CCOF) since 2009.

Soil

Clay loam built with cover crops, aged manure, compost, organic fertilizers, and soil amendments.

Water Use

Drip and sprinkler irrigation, using water from a creek.

Weed Control

Hand cultivation, machine cultivation, mulching.

Pest Management

Crop rotation, resistant crops, release of beneficial insects, habitat for beneficials, organic pesticides.