People
Missy Gotelli and her family.
Farmland
About 300 acres in San Joaquin and Tulare Counties, California
About
The Gotelli family emigrated from Italy in the early 1900s and planted cherries along the Calaveras River in San Joaquin County. Those orchards eventually grew into a family business. The Gotellis now offer 10 different varieties during cherry season, including Rainier, Brooks, and Coral, which are all well-adapted to the hot climate of the San Joaquin Valley. Cherries have a very short season, and a healthy crop needs chillier winters and a ripening period without rain. Ill-timed precipitation can threaten blossoms and ripening fruit. Once this delicate crop is ready, Missy’s family organizes to get these cherries out into farmers markets across California, usually May through June.
Fun Fact
In the 1950s, brothers Al and Del Gotelli developed a machine for sorting and sizing cherries, which made the process of shipping them much more efficient. They patented and began manufacturing their invention, which soon was in use all over the West Coast.
Location
Acampo, California
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About CUESA
CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) is dedicated to cultivating a sustainable food system through the operation of farmers markets and educational programs. Learn More »
