Four Sisters Farm

FARMLAND: 5 acres in Aromas, about 95 miles from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

PEOPLE: Robin and Nancy Gammons along with 3 full-time employees

FARM HISTORY/PHILOSOPHY: The Gammons purchased the plot of land in Aromas and began farming in 1977. The Gammons' approach to farming has always been organic and ecological, and they have a strong commitment to maintaining a natural, healthy ecosystem on their property.

The Gammons have four daughters -- Lucy, Jill, Dusty and Prema -- for whom they named the farm. All four grew up on the farm and are now grown. All four were active on the farm over the years and helped with sales at farmers markets. Jill is considering returning to the farm and continuing to be involved with farming in the future.

SOIL: Built up with compost, turning everything back in. Started with 3" of topsoil on the land, now they have 20-24" of good fertile topsoil.

WEED CONTROL: Hand and machine weeding.

PEST MANAGEMENT: They use only a rototiller and hand tools for planting, so as to disturb the land as little as possible. They have found that this approach means that they have very few insect pests to contend with - the healthy, harmonious farm ecosystem self-regulates and takes care of those pests. They do have one non-insect pest: the deer that roam the beautiful countryside surrounding their farm, and they are currently building a fence to protect their crops from being munched by deer.

WATER USE: Drip and misting irrigation. The land has native springs and a high water table.

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION: CCOF since 1988