Agriculture is California’s number one industry and California provides a quarter of the nation’s food and nearly 50 percent of its fresh fruits and vegetables.  Approximately 170,876 acres in Marin are farms or ranches, which amounts to 50 percent of the land in Marin.  The average size of a farm in Marin is 529 acres, and the majority are third –to- fifth-generation family owned operations. 

Marin’s coastal agriculture is well known for its quality grasslands, due to foggy, moist conditions that keep the grasses green much of the year and make them well suited for grazing dairy, beef cattle and sheep.  While milk and livestock dominate Marin’s agricultural activities, more than 50 organic operations produce organic fruits, vegetables, and pasture on 42,000 acres. 

 This section focuses on the people behind our food in Marin, specifically the farmers and where some of their products can be found, whether its our local farmers' markets, grocery stores and other purveyors that one can visit and experience here in Marin County!  Here you will meet our most popular farmers’ market in Marin, cheesemakers, mead makers, and olive oil and wine producers.

Brigitte Moran at Agricultural Institute of Marin

400 Smith Ranch Road
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-472-6100
www.agriculturalinstitute.org

Biography and Photos by Ben Davidson:

Among Marin County’s many natural bounties are its wonderful farmers’ markets. These vibrant, bustling community celebrations of fresh produce and specialty food abound with a dazzling array of goods from a wide variety of producers... Read More

Lafranchi Brothers at Nicasio Valley Cheese Company

5300 Nicasio Valley Road
Nicasio, CA 94946
415-662-6200
www.nicasiocheese.com

Biography and Photos by Ben Davidson:

A century ago, LaFranchi patriach Fredolino (Fred) Lafranchi immigrated at age 17 from Maggia, Switzerland to the US and eventually to Marin, where he met his wife Zelma (Dolcini). They raised their five children on this... Read More

McEvoy Ranch, a Hidden Gem in Marin

5935 Red Hill Road
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-769-4100
​www.mcevoyranch.com

Biography and Photos by Ben Davidson:

Tucked in the verdant hills near the Marin-Sonoma border, is one of West Marin's rural gems, the McEvoy Ranch. The legacy of San Francisco Chronicle heir Nan Tucker McEvoy, this 550-acre ranch produces some of... Read More

Meadmakers at Heidrun Meadery

11925 Highway 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-662-9122
​www.heidrunmeadery.com

 

Biography and Photos by Ben Davidson:

"From flower to flute" is the sweet motto of West Marin's unique meadery, Heidrun. Producing brut dry, naturally sparkling varietal meads made exclusively from honey, proprietor Gordon Hull and his small team of meadmakers use... Read More