Strawberries (Organic) - Pint

People

Brothers Apolinar (“Poli”) and Gilberto Yerena, along with 6 full-time employees and help from their sister, Berta, Poli’s wife Silvia, and other brother, Guillermo.

Farmland

13 acres in Watsonville, about 100 miles from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

Farm History

After growing strawberries for Driscoll with their parents for 12 years, Apolinar and Gilberto decided to lease their own farm. They began in 1982 growing conventionally, but in response to market demand converted five trial acres to organic. The organic fruit sold so well they eventually decided to transition the farm to organic.

Certification

Presently, 10 acres are certified organic by Monterey County Certified Organic (MCCO), with the remaining 12 in transition.

Soil

Sandy with a little clay. The sandy soil presents a problem with erosion so the Yerenas prevent the loss of soil by putting plastic around the perimeter of their farm.

Water Use

The water on the farm comes from a well and drip irrigates the farm once a week in the winter and every 4 days in the summer.

Weed Control

They use propane flame torches in the winter time, hand weed during the harvest, and cover raised beds in black plastic to prevent weed and fungal growth.

Pest Management

Beneficial insects: ladybugs for aphids and spider mites for mites.

FUN FACT

The Yerenas’ organic strawberries are sold under the label FeNella, combining their parents names—Federico and Nella.

From CUESA