Best Agricultural Production Irvine Near Me

4worldlovers:

Tanaka Farms is one of the only family-owned and operated farms in Orange County open to the public.


Well, friends, the time has finally come. Strawberry season is just about over, so we have scheduled a last hurrah to pick the last of the strawberries before we have to start preparing the fields for next year's crop. As we are now at the end of the season, keep in mind the strawberries are very small. They still taste AWESOME, and are perfect to make into jam, throw in the freezer for later use, or, of course, just pop 'em in your mouth and enjoy!

SUNDAY, 7/23, from 11am-12pm - FREE Wagon Rides! $12 registration includes taking a tractor-pulled wagon ride to the fields to pick (and eat!) strawberries, plus a visit with the Barnyard Animals.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR TOURS & ACTIVITIES! CLICK ON THE GREEN BOOK NOW BUTTON TO SIGN UP. (If you are using an iPhone, or iPad, please hold your finger down on the green BOOK NOW button until the next window pops up.)

Add a PANCAKE BREAKFAST PLATE to your Melon Tour on 7/30 and 8/13!

4worldlovers: Know where your food comes from. Farmers' markets let you buy real food, direct from real people. Plus, they're just plain fun. Learn more about our 9 Orange County Farmers' Markets!

4worldlovers: Look for the Orange County Harvest label at local restaurants and regional chain stores.

Get to know the dedicated farmers who strive to bring exceptional fruits and vegetables within the urban boundaries of this dynamic county.

OCP embraces sustainable farming practices and grows under a conventional California label.

4worldlovers: The Irvine Ranch Conservancy Native Seed Farm got its start in 2009, temporarily utilizing a small parcel of a burned-out avocado orchard damaged in the 2007 Santiago Canyon Fire. In 2016, the Native Seed Farm relocated to a larger site with expanded infrastructure.

Note: The Farm is closed to the public except during scheduled activities. So if you would like to see it, please click here to register for an activity!

But back to the big picture….why have a seed farm at all? To get things done sustainably! The Conservancy has taken on an aggressive vision to restore almost 5,000 acres of native habitat throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, and that creates a huge need for native seeds and young plants- up to a ton a year.

Collecting that much seed from the wild would be unsustainable, as it would deplete the natural seed bank and cause more problems for the wild land down the road. At the same time, the supply of commercially available seed is limited, and some key species are not available to purchase at all. The answer was to start the Native Seed Farm and grow a custom mix right here at the base of the foothills.

Volunteers are key to the Farm’s operation. They help to grow and tend the seed producing plants, harvest the seed, and get it cleaned and ready for use. Participating in seed farming is unique way to be involved in the restoration of sensitive habitats. The Farm is at a flat, easy-to-access site, and the garden-like setting feels comfortable even for folks with little outdoor experience. The location on Jeffrey Road in Irvine provides improved facilities and easier public access, with more on-site capacity for all stages of the seed farming process.

To celebrate the move to the new site in 2016, community volunteers helped plant 15,000 native seedlings; today, 49 species – some rare – are growing at the Farm. All projects that the Farm’s seeds go to are managed by the Conservancy and are funded by partners such as OC Waste & Recycling, the Orange County Transportation Authority, OC Parks, and the City of Irvine.

From day one, the Farm has thrived due to support and involvement from the greater community, including plant biology and ecology interns from local universities, community service projects with local organizations and schools, and regular public volunteer activities open to the public two days a week. No previous experience is needed, and everyone (not just green thumbs!) will find the work pleasant and rewarding. Click here to learn more about volunteering at the farm.