Riding North on Highway 1 heading from Watsonville to San Francisco one is surrounded by the natural splendor of the California coast. Dramatic cliff sides and pristine beaches on one side and on the other fields of farmland growing things like strawberries or artichokes. Along this highway there are also farm stands that line the road sporadically along the coast, boasting delectable fruits and vegetables at irresistibly low prices.   

Farm Fresh Produce:

7990 Hwy 1

Unit A

Moss Landing, CA 95039

(831) 633-3636

Hours

One of these farm stands is known as Farm Fresh Produce and exists as a sort of permanent Farmers Market at Moss Landing. Almost all of their produce is locally grown, a cornucopia of fresh fruits and veggies to choose from make it a must stop attraction for both locals and tourists. They also feature locally made specialty foods like honey or jam as well as freshly picked local flowers. Fresh produce and low prices aren’t the only reasons that farm stands are great though. Farm stands eliminate the mid-level cost of distribution among farmers to make higher profits for both parties involved, serving as an important source of income. Roadside stands also allow small-scale farmers to feel more financially secure and make a profit even in the midst of destructive agroindustrial competition like Dole produce.

Swanton Berry Farm

25 Swanton Rd, Davenport, CA 95017

(831) 469-8804

Hours

Self pick farms also play a valuable role in the vitality of our local small organic farms. About twenty minutes north of Santa Cruz you’ll find Swanton Berry Farm, which has two “U-Pick” areas for visitors to pick their own berries. U-Pick farms directly sell to consumers at low prices that can still turn a profit due to lowered operating costs. Prices are also considerably lower because farms do not have to pay workers to harvest the fruit. Benefits of U-Pick farms also have to pay less for packaging because visitors are encouraged to bring their own bags or berry cartons. It’s also worth mentioning that at Swanton Berry Farm you get to snack on delicious organic fruit as you go. And if those strawberries aren’t satisfying your sweet tooth, the self-serve farm stand offers some of the best strawberry shortcake I’ve ever had.