Balakian Farms

FARMLAND: 35 acres located in Reedley, about 200 miles from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

PEOPLE: John and Stella Balakian; their daughter, Ginger Balakian; and her husband, Clarence Robinson; along with 2 full-time and up to 12 seasonal employees

ABOUT: John and Stella Balakian bought the property over 50 years ago, and their daughter Ginger was born and raised on the farm. Ginger has now joined her parents in farming, along with her husband, daughter and many aunts and uncles. The Balakians are committed to the farm not just as an occupation but also as a way of life. John's father was an immigrant from Armenia who planted a vineyard in the Reedley area over 75 years ago. John was born and raised on that property, and much of the vineyard is still producing grapes today. The Balakians began switching to organic practices about 10 years ago in response to health concerns and market demand. For many years, the farm was registered organic with the state of California, but not certified. In 2002, Ginger agreed to handle the paperwork so that the farm could become certified organic.

At Balakian Farms, workers are considered part of a large extended family. During the busy summer harvest, everyone pitches in to help sort and pack a wide variety of produce.

SOIL: White ash fertilized with humus and other organic amendments

WEED CONTROL: Plowing, disking, hand hoeing, and hand weeding

PEST MANAGEMENT: Organic sprays, beneficial insects

WATER USE: Drip and sprinkle irrigation, fed by ditch and well water

WORKERS: Family members and four year-round employees

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION: Guaranteed Organic Certification Agency (GOCA) since 2002