Working to Open Markets
Adolfo and Anna Ramos from J & J Farms have been part of the Orinda market for more than 20 years.
While some farmers’ markets are open with many new guidelines, officials are hoping to open Orinda’s 24th season later this month if the situation with the coronavirus becomes more stable.
The Orinda market is part Contra Costa Certified Farmers’ Markets (CCCFM), that is proud to be the first non-profit organization to launch a farmers’ market program in Contra Costa County over 35 years ago. CCCFM opened its first farmers’ market in 1982 at Hill Crest Shopping Center in Pleasant Hill. Since then, farmers’ markets have become a vital part of the food supply.
Conceived by a small group of master gardeners and horticulture students from Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, CCCFM was the result of grass-roots efforts by community members inspired by the local food movement and driven by the desire to bridge the gap between food producers and consumers. The markets thrive with ongoing support from the city, community, growers and vendors to continue the farm-to-table movement.
Adolfo and Anna Ramos from J & J Farms in Hughson have been part of the Orinda market for more than 20 years. Sweet cherries are one of their specialties and a favorite for shoppers to eat fresh or to make homemade cobblers or clafoutis.
Onions are another bright spot at the stand – large, burgundy colored with fresh green tops still attached. They give a lot of credit to their fertile growing area in producing these delicious onions that are perfect on the grill or in sandwiches and salads.
Royal Greens Family Farm from Hollister is one of the newest members to join the market.
Jesse and Ruby Granados are third-generation farmers and bring a variety of in-season fresh-picked produce to fill their stands each week.
Highlights of the season include asparagus, peas, artichokes, squash, cucumbers and greenhouse tomatoes.
Stay in touch through facebook.com/OrindaFarmersMarket, Instagram@OrindaFarmersMarket, cccfm.org and the market hotline 925-431-8361.
Jesse Granados of Royal Greens Family Farm, one of the newest members of the Orinda market, is a third-generation farmer and brings a variety of in-season fresh, picked produce to fill his stands each week.
