Visiting the McGrath Family Farm

So the trip to the McGrath family farm was an awesome firsthand experience that helped me see just how tough it is to grow fruits/vegetables organically. This farm, situated in the Ventura County in Camarillo, has been in existence for the past 4 generations. Unlike chemical farmers, organic farmers refrain from using chemical fertilizers which is why it takes much longer for organic products to fully grow. I realised that because of this opportunity cost (loss of time) among other factors, organic farmers charge more for their produce. The farm we visited was not only vast, but also very diverse in its plantation. Some flowering plants seen throughout the year are sunflowers, caspia, tuberose, to name a few. Wild flowers are planted to ensure pollinization. Raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, green onions and sweet corn are just some outputs found in the McGrath farm. One of the most essential guidelines organic farmers follow is that they only grow vegetables/fruits that are in season. However, demand for some products are so high that they are grown all year round (e.g. 4 acres of land are devoted to growing strawberries, 17 acres used for lemons, lettuce, carrots.)

Part of the McGrath Family Farm seen from a distance

I was introduced to the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) which serves to promote local agriculture. Basically, people in and around the community where the farm is located come together to pledge support for the growers. Consumers benefit from the produce while growers/entrepreneurs bear the risk. Merits of organic farming are highlighted in the society with the assistance of residents in the area. Unlike conventional farming, this type of farming consists of a higher degree of consumer involvement with the farmers which results in a better consumer-producer relationship. I personally think this is a great program to raise awareness about the advantages and disadvantages of organic and chemical farming respectively.

As we were walking around exploring the farm, I saw the cutest lamb, foal and rabbit there! The ducks were adorable too but their high-pitched quacks scared me off. It was during the end of the trip that I got to interact with them and to be honest, I just wanted to take the lamb home with me. The strawberries I ate (mostly sneakily) were one of its kind. To sum it all up, it was a great learning experience and the place just appealed to me aesthetically. If given another chance, I'd definitely go there without thinking twice.