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