Ocean Mist Farms, CA
Family owned: Pieri/Reasons and Tottino
Jurisdiction over: Sea Mist Farm, Boutonnet Farms, Desert Mist, Laguna Mist, Baja Mist, Valley Pride harvester
Products:
Artichokes, asparagus, celery, corn, cauliflower, fennel, green onions, leeks, lettuce, rapini, spinach
All artichokes organic; transitioning to all organic (CCOF, ASCO)
Organic growing is minimizing impact on wildlife habitats
350 acres grow consistently year round
Food safety:
Food safety training is routine and ongoing for all employees
Focus on prevention using GMP, GAP and HAACP methods – products free of microbial, chemical or physical contaminants
Product traceability is priority
Green:
Leading industry in farm practice, field packing, cooling and packaging
Waxless cartons – fully recyclable
Pesticide use:
IPM – Ladybugs, traps, habitat manipulation, pesticides tested by third party for targeted use
Helped develop and initiate LGMA (Leafy Green Handling Marketing Agreement)
Fertilizer use:
Alternatives – no manure, drip irrigation
Routine water testing
Crop rotation:
Field selection using risk assessment
Sustainable:
Committed to sustainable methods
Converting farmlands into wetlands
Independent soil testing: Third party testing
HACCP approved
Fair trade – compliant
Other State/federal certification:
CFDA, CDHS, Univ. of Calif.
DOL/OSHA:
Holds 60 DOL H-2A visas provided for Mexican workers
Comments:
Ocean Mist Quality Assurance Program exceeds USDA standards
Marketing excellence awards
Leader of green initiatives using "Farm to Fork" product traceability program