Tour a Farm Like a Pro

To say that I love farms is an understatement. For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt an incredible connection to the land, growing produce and raising animals. One might wonder why I live in a city. I’m a city kid who loves nature and I get my nature “fix” by visiting farms. 

I’ve visited a variety of farms including a dairy farm and a biodynamic terraced Alpine farm in Switzerland, a Poi farm in Hawaii, goat farms in Trinidad and Tobago, almond farms in California, Orange orchards in Florida, family farms in upstate NY…  And most recently, I was invited to Fresno, California, to attend a farm tour hosted by the Alliance for Food and Farming.  Given my love of farms, I was beyond thrilled to take the trip.  This particular trip was hosted by AFF, a non-profit organization that represents organic and conventional farmers and farms of all sizes and sponsored by  California Citrus Mutual, California Fresh Fruit Association, California Table Grape Commission, International Fresh Produce Association,  Pear Bureau Northwest, and Western Growers Association.

The focus of this most recent farm tour was to educate a select group of Dietitians on the safety and growing practices associated with west coast growers and farm workers. We had a robust itinerary that included visits to Porterville Citrus and  HMC Farms for a  packinghouse tour and tasting, followed by a visit to Family Tree Farm research facility for a varietal tasting. 

Then, we were invited to tour Jasmine vineyard and a family style dinner with a number of family farms as well as the president of the Farm Workers Alliance.  For a behind the scenes of me picking grapes at Jasmine Farms, check out my instagram video. The trip culminated with a tour of the McKellar Family Farm and dinner in the citrus grove. 

Now I want to share my top 3 best practices for touring farms and packing facilities like a pro:

1. Farms and packing facilities are working places that handle food, so check the dress code! Long pants are often encouraged and closed toe shoes are a must. No flip flops or high heels.
2. Keep your dangly jewelry at home. 
3. Go with an open mind, respect the farmers, pickers and packers and get ready to ask questions and learn. 

Now that you know how to tour a farm like a pro, I want to share some of what I learned about grapes with you.

There are over 80 varieties of grapes with a wide range of colors from green all the way to deep purples and blues. Grapes are a berry and have an incredible nutrient profile. The antioxidants in grapes support heart health by promoting the relaxation of blood vessels, immune health as they are a rich source of polyphenols, brain and colon health and skin health.  Grapes are a good source of melatonin and may support healthy sleep cycles that are imperative for whole body health.  Studies suggest that you can reap these benefits when you add grapes to your regular pattern of eating. 

They are versatile and can be incorporated into dishes or enjoyed as a snack. I highly recommend grape salsa, it’s absolutely delicious! Stay tuned for my version of grape salsa. 

Here are 3 major takeaways that the farmers shared with me and I want to pass them on to you!

• The intent of the farmer is good. Farmers go to work each day with the desire to produce a wholesome product for you the consumer.
• Growers are growing with the future in mind and deeply care about water, labor and the health of the planet. They, too, have families and a desire for safe and affordable produce to be available for generations to come. 
• There is value in domestic produce. We, the consumers, should be connected and interested in the people that grow, pick and pack our food. Without farmers we won’t have anything to eat.

Now that you know a bit more about farming and touring, I encourage you to visit a local farm and support a farmer in your area!

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