A vibrant assortment of fresh vegetables showcased at McGrath Family Farms.
Over 15 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public for the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees will experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours and learn about the origins of their food.
“We often don’t think about what it takes to grow, harvest and deliver produce to the market,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) executive director. SEEAG is the nonprofit that hosts Ventura County Farm Day each year. “Hundreds of dedicated farm workers are behind every piece of fruit or vegetable we buy at the store.”
On Farm Day, the public can select the locations they want to visit by going to the Farm Day Trail Map (https://venturacountyfarmday.com/map) and then travel at their own pace from site to site. Descriptions of what to expect at each site are included on the map. The day consists of behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, giveaways and kid-friendly activities. Some sites require pre-registration. “Pick three or four locations and plan your day,” says Paulus-Case.
Widespread farming in Ventura County dates back to the 1780s and agriculture is still one of the largest industries in the county with crop values in 2023 totaling over $2.1 billion. “Nothing else in Ventura County has more history than agriculture,” says Phil McGrath, owner of McGrath Family Farm in Camarillo and Farm Day participant. “Farm Day provides the opportunity to understand how agriculture in the county evolved, what growers are doing now and what the future will bring.”
Participating in Farm Day this year include the Agriculture Museum of Ventura County, Agromin (organic compost, mulch), Alpacas At Windy Hills (Alpaca fleece), Duda Farm Fresh Foods (celery and lettuce), Eden Forest Collective (agroforestry), Good Farms (berries), Growing Works (fresh flowers), McGrath Family Farm (organic farming), Ojai Olive Oil (olives), Oxnard Historic Farm Park, Petty Ranch (fruits and vegetables), Prancer’s Farm (strawberries, tomatoes, avocados), Ranchos Camulos National Historic Landmark Museum, UC Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center, VCAA Senior Nutrition Farm and Ventura County
Agriculture/Weights and Measures. Petty Ranch will serve as the Farm Day Hub with booths, displays, kids’ activities and free fresh produce.
Two school farms are participating – Rio School District Farm and Sa’Aliyas Ranch. Both farms teach students about agriculture including career opportunities–all while growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables for market.
Ventura County Farm Day sponsors include The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, Gene Hass Foundation, Driscoll’s, Church Brothers Farms, Mission Produce, and County of Ventura Agriculture/Weights and Measures.
Visitors are encouraged to register in advance at My805Tix (https://www.my805tix.com/e/venturafarmday). Once registered, guests show their 805Tix QR code at each location to enter without signing in.
Several hotels are offering special room rates over the Farm Day weekend. For more information about Ventura County Farm Day including a list of local hotels, visit www.VenturaCountyFarmDay.com or call 805-892-8155. The Trail Map is updated daily. No pets allowed.
