Regional Bounty
Our region is truly outstanding in its fields
The Monterey Bay region, from the North Coast of Santa Cruz County to the tip of Monterey, is an extremely rich agricultural area that is home to a remarkable number of outstanding farms, wineries and food purveyors.
The region is also esteemed for being a leader in sustainable and organic agricultural practices. In fact, Santa Cruz is the cradle of the organic movement dating back to 1967 when Alan Chadwick and students transformed a rugged hillside at University of California Santa Cruz into an abundant garden using hand tools and organic amendments. Today, Santa Cruz County has more organic farms than any county in the state. This site will introduce you to the many farmers that participate in the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets who were pioneers in sustainable and organic farming.
What's grown or produced in the Monterey Bay region?
Incredible Fruits and Vegetables:
Historically, this area's farmers have grown
strawberries, raspberries, lettuce, apples, roses, cut flowers, landscape plants,
Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, artichokes, broccoli and wine grapes. And, the
variety of crops grown in the region is ever expanding. Just take a look at
the variety offered by the 80 some farmers and vendors that participate in
the Monterey Bay Farmers Markets.
Grass-fed Beef:
There are few places where you have access to 100% grass-fed beef. The
Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets features Old Creek Ranch offering organic, free-range beef as well as sheep
and goat meat. In addition, the animals are raised without the use of
antibiotics or hormones and are pasture-raised in their natural environment.
Poultry:
Locally raised chickens, ducks and turkeys provide delicious eggs for the region. Some farmers may offer chickens too! Bob Harris sells wonderful, free-range eggs at the Aptos, Monterey and Del Monte locations of the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets.
Fresh Seafood:
Californians consume far more seafood per capita than the national average, making the state one of the most important seafood markets in the US. MBCFM has three excellent seafood purveyors. H&H Fresh Fish (at our Aptos and Monterey markets) offers fresh, local, sustainably-caught, wild seafood, and hand-selected sashimi-grade imports. Dave’s Gourmet Albacore (at all of our markets) smoked and ready-to-cook sustainable seafood also gets rave reviews. And La Marea of the Sea offers fresh raw oysters and flavorful seafood tacos (at Aptos Farmers Market)
Olives and Olive Oil:
The Mediterranean climate of the Monterey Bay is perfect for growing olives. The Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Market is proud to have Belle Farms as a producer offering extra virgin olive at our Aptos and Carmel markets.
Bees and Honey:
Bee keepers, called apiarists, provide a wonderful supply of honey to the
region. Look for Amen Bees at
our Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets for honey and beeswax.
Specialty Items:
There are many artfully crafted treats in store for you at the markets including artisan cheeses, fair trade coffee, premium teas, chai and exotic spice blends, gourmet sauces and fresh pasta, sausages and smoked meats, fresh-baked goods, and beautiful pottery by Parrot Ranch Pottery. Discover Tres Americas (Fair Trade Coffee), Malabar Trading Company (award winning teas, chai, spices), Corralitos Market (famous for their apple wood smoked bacon, specialty sausages and meats), baked goods from Catering Magik, French pastries from Sweet Elena’s Bakery, and handmade fresh pasta and gourmet sauces from Pensi Pasta.
Plants and Flowers
There are beautiful and exotic flowers and plants everywhere you look at our
markets. Take the time to stop and enjoy the flowers at Astone
Protea, Blue Heron Farms, Cole Canyon Farm, C E Farm, Gatanaga Nursery, McLellan Botanicals, Pacific Rare Plant Nursery, Ozzie Orchids and Dahlias, Rocket
Farms, Thomas
Farm, Tashiro Nursery, Upstart Nursery, and William R. P. Welch.