At Main Street Produce, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to sustainable farming practices that protect the environment, conserve valuable resources, and support our community. By combining traditional agricultural techniques with innovative technologies, we aim to provide high-quality produce while minimizing our environmental footprint. We’re dedicated to ensuring our farming practices are responsible, efficient, and sustainable for future generations.

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HOW WE FARM

Farming Practices

Successfully farming organic strawberries begins with obtaining the most vigorous, healthy plants available. Whether we are selecting strawberry plants from the country’s top nurseries or propagating transplants from seed, our commitment to planting strong, healthy plants is critical to producing high-quality crops year-round.

We carefully choose the right acreage to optimize growing conditions. Farming across diverse ranches in the Santa Maria Valley allows us to utilize the area’s range of soil, water, and climate conditions, ensuring a thriving harvest.

WET-2 Sensor testing in plants

Soil Testing
Ensuring healthy, fertile soil is essential for growing the best produce. We test our soil regularly to monitor its nutrient content and pH levels to optimize crop growth and maintain soil health.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
We use a variety of non-toxic pest control methods, such as natural predators, selective pesticide application, and habitat management, to manage pests without harming the ecosystem.

Organic Program
We are dedicated to using organic practices to grow our crops, including crop rotation, natural fertilizers, and reduced pesticide use. This helps us maintain biodiversity and support healthy ecosystems.

Managing Our Resources

Hand holding up a black water line among plants.

We recognize the importance of efficient resource management, which is why we focus on using inputs wisely and minimizing waste. Our practices help us reduce our environmental footprint while maintaining the productivity of our farm. By embracing innovative technologies and time-tested strategies, we ensure that critical resources such as energy, water, and nutrients are used responsibly. This commitment allows us to balance environmental stewardship with sustainable growth, supporting both the health of our crops and the ecosystems we rely on.

Renewable Energy
Our solar array offsets a significant portion of the energy required to run our cooler with clean, renewable power. Last year, over 40% of the energy used for cooling came from solar energy, helping to reduce our carbon footprint. By investing in solar technology, we’re lowering emissions while promoting a sustainable energy future for our operations.

Nutrient Management
We carefully plan and adjust our fertilizer program to prevent overapplication and protect the long-term health of our soil and water resources, promoting balanced and sustainable growth. By maintaining nutrient-rich soils, we support healthy crops, reduce runoff, and enhance the resilience of our fields for future harvests. Learn more about nutrient management on our blog.

Water Conservation
We monitor and measure water usage at every well on our ranches, ensuring precise tracking and effective water resource management. This detailed approach helps us make informed decisions, avoid overuse, and prioritize sustainability. By conserving water, we safeguard this essential resource for agriculture and the broader environment.

Drip Irrigation
All our ranches utilize drip irrigation systems, maximizing water efficiency by delivering moisture directly to the roots of our crops while minimizing waste. This method reduces evaporation, improves crop health, and ensures that every drop of water is used effectively. Our focus on precision irrigation reflects our commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Our Committment

At Main Street Produce, we prioritize sustainability because it’s not just about farming—it’s about creating a positive impact on the environment, the community, and the future of agriculture. By implementing responsible farming practices, efficiently managing our resources, and using innovative technologies, we aim to reduce our environmental footprint and ensure the long-term viability of our crops. 

These sustainable practices help preserve vital resources like soil and water, reduce carbon emissions, and support healthier ecosystems. Our commitment to sustainability strengthens the resilience of our farm and supports the communities and markets we serve, providing high-quality, responsibly grown produce for years to come.

Learn more about responsible farming →