Built on a legacy of family tradition and sustainable practices, Cal-Organic Farms has evolved from a modest quarter-acre to a national leader in organic agriculture, cultivating over 65 varieties of produce entirely in the USA

Cal-Organic Farms has its roots in California’s agricultural heartland, where the Duncan Family established it in 1984 on a modest quarter acre of land in Lamont.

Though the original idea was simple growing organic lettuce differently from anyone else the farm steadily gained momentum thanks to a focus on sustainable techniques and a respect for the soil.

Over the years, the founding commitment to organic principles evolved into a guiding ethos, and those early efforts expanded well beyond lettuce.

Today, the company reports producing more than 65 types of seasonal and year-round vegetables on acreage across multiple regions of the United States.

This growth underscores a steady adherence to the principles that shaped Cal-Organic Farms from its earliest days: stewarding the land responsibly, ensuring the highest possible quality, and doing business in a way that embraces family values and integrity.

In 2001, Cal-Organic joined forces with Grimmway Farms, a move designed to expand distribution capacity and make organic produce widely accessible.

By pairing Cal-Organic’s philosophy of thorough, responsible growing with Grimmway’s well-established marketing and logistics network, the integration allowed the brand to reach more consumers nationwide.

In 2003, the brand was named Vendor of the Year by Wild Oats Markets, and in 2015, it received the Supplier of the Year award from Whole Foods Market.

These honors helped place the company on the map for both retailers and consumers, who sought sources of organic produce that could be reliably delivered on a large scale.

Even as it grew, Cal-Organic held on to its guiding ideals, particularly its dedication to organic methods.

The company focuses on using composted manures, rotating crops, and building beneficial insect populations to control pests and weeds.

These strategies help ensure a healthy and naturally enriched soil.

Farmland must be free of prohibited substances for at least three years before seeds can be planted to qualify for the organic certification the brand pursues.

This process involves working with a certifying agency California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and undergoing random inspections to guarantee compliance with USDA organic standards.

In addition to these practices, the company pays close attention to post-harvest handling, aiming to avoid any contamination by using dedicated equipment exclusively reserved for organic produce.

Cal-Organic also prioritizes sustainability measures related to energy, farming methods, and recycling.

It powers much of its operations through a 4.75-megawatt solar farm, uses energy-efficient lighting, and invests in ongoing improvements to reduce emissions and water usage.

The company employs pivot systems and pressure-sealed pipes to optimize irrigation, reflecting a mindset that is both innovative and respectful of the environment.

This broader concern for resource preservation is reinforced by a commitment to recycling initiatives, which include shifting to store drop-off recyclable bags and curbside recyclable cartons.

Though it began in Lamont, the farm’s footprint is no longer confined solely to California’s Central Valley.

Over time, the operation has strategically expanded to other farming regions, including the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast.

These moves help ensure a more reliable supply chain by putting the brand’s fields closer to regional customers, minimizing how far produce must travel.

This focus on diversification has also proven beneficial when weather patterns turn unpredictable.

Cal-Organic stands out for its year-round production of specific items, particularly potatoes and onions.

A representative for the company, Vice President of Cal-Organic Farms Sales, Bob Borda, noted that they continue to build on these key categories, with larger volumes available throughout the year.

At the same time, the brand remains closely identified with its flagship commodity: organic carrots.

The company has, in fact, made a name for itself in carrots and other vegetables by ensuring that everything it brings to market is grown 100% in the USA.

Borda also mentioned that Cal-Organic develops data-driven analyses to help retailers merchandise a consistent set of organic fruits and vegetables, aligning with consumer demand.

In recent years, Cal-Organic’s trajectory has included an important acquisition of San Miguel Produce, which, according to coverage in 2024, integrated a value-added line of cut and washed cooking greens into its portfolio.

This expansion is aimed at providing more convenience to consumers while supporting broader efforts against food waste, as it allows for post-harvest solutions that might otherwise have gone unused.

With San Miguel’s processing expertise complementing Cal-Organic’s farming capabilities, the combined operation hopes to offer new products that retain the brand’s quality and organic promise.

Industry observers point out that future growth of organic foods is expected to come in part from younger generations, who generally prioritize sustainability and health.

Cal-Organic appears positioned to meet those expectations by continuing to emphasize transparency in its farming practices, investing in environmentally conscious technology, and cultivating a wide range of produce to accommodate various dietary preferences.