THE RODRIGUEZ
FAMILY FARM

J.R. Organics Farm, CCOF certified in 1986, is 100% organic and committed to growing produce in the purest way possible.

The History

The Rodriguez Ranch started in the 1950’s. It was originally 55 acres of wild scrub brush cleared by hand and with mule teams. It started as a conventional tomato and squash farm but went through several transitions over the years. At one time, the Rodriguez Ranch was a domestic supplier and international exporter of culinary herbs.

Going Organic

Following several illnesses caused by exposure to agricultural chemicals, Joe, Jr., decided to try the organic method of farming. Then in 1986, after much success growing crops organically, Joe obtained his CCOF certification and J.R. Organics Farm was formed. The growing practices used include the finest fertilizers, compost, beneficial insects and proper soil management. You are assured the produce grown at J.R. Organics Farm is richer in vitamins, minerals and flavor than most vegetables, herbs and fruits you could obtain anywhere else.

Water

J.R. farms buys water from Valley Center that is tested for contamination so they always know they’re producing a safe and clean product. Water is the highest expense and because of these high costs they cannot wholesale and must sell their product at a premium price.

Nursery

Everything at J.R. farms starts from seed on their farm. Many farms send their seeds to a germination company because it is so hard to get a good germ started. They then buy back the plants from the company. J.R. has special techniques and soil preparation and he keeps everything in house to ensure quality control.

Crop Rotation

Crop rotation is growing and alternating different varieties of crops on the same plot of land. By rotating crops you are putting nutrients back into the soil in a natural way. The different crops produce different nutrients and when absorbed by one another it comes through in flavor. Crop rotation also reduces pests.

Pests

J.R. Organics Farm uses no harmful chemicals to remove pests. Because they don’t spray, you can walk into the field at any given point and eat the produce without having to wash the vegetables. We also use beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to prevent crop damage.

Weed Control

J.R. Organics doesn’t use herbicides so you can walk into the field at any point and eat the produce without washing. Wherever possible we use a tractor to cultivate for weed control. However J.R. farms is hilly and there are lots of places you can’t get a tractor so many weeds are picked by hand which is very labor intensive. Weed control is a constant battle and we have to compromise at times because there is always a lot of work to be accomplished on the farm and sometimes they can’t devote the manpower. Not all weeds are bad though. Beneficial weeds bring up nutrients in the soil and add taste to the crops. There are organic weed control solutions and we use some but not too much because they’re very expensive, especially at our size. In general we focus on keeping it simple and grow in season so we don’t have to use other organic weed controls.

Compost AKA “Joe’s Black Gold”

We make our own compost by buying organic minerals and nutrients. Joe calls his secret recipe Joe’s Black Gold. Joe doesn’t tell anyone what’s in it except the organic farming inspector.