CASTROVILLE, CA - It's one thing to write about the remarkable companies in our industry: those driven by excellence, a commitment to quality, and a deep desire to be good stewards of the land. It's a completely different experience to be part of an exclusive group invited by the Castroville, California, team to witness the operation of Ocean Mist® Farms. From field to value-added facility and everything in between, this was a unique opportunity to see Ocean Mist Farms' Gold Standard in action.
Walking the fields of artichokes, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts and observing the team members who grow, care for, and cultivate each plant, one gets a sense that the clock never stops on an Ocean Mist Farms day. This beautiful experience was shared by a diverse group of food influencers and registered dietitians, each stepping into their boots and learning what it means to go in search of gold.
Please join me as they share a few words from their unique experiences.
Kermilia White, Editor and Creator at The Millennial Stay-At-Home Mom, @themillennialsahm
“It was a true privilege to get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse of where our produce comes from! From the meticulous care that goes into preparing the land to the extremely skilled and hard-working laborers who harvest our vegetables, it was evident that providing high-quality, nutritious products was their top priority! The passion of the team at Ocean Mist Farms is truly palpable, giving me a newfound appreciation for fresh produce and all of the hard work that makes it possible for my family and me to enjoy it!”
Erika Wong, MS, RDN @wongmsrd
"Learning about the entire process from farm to fork was an amazing, eye-opening experience. I was reminded of the incredible amount of labor, time, and expertise required to produce our food supply. My favorite parts were seeing the artichoke harvest in action and touring the value-added facility. I have the utmost respect for the hard-working people in ag. As a dietitian and mother of three, I will absolutely take these learnings and continue to spread the story. I am so grateful for this opportunity and for being welcomed with open arms into the Ocean Mist family!"
Liz Della Croce, The Lemon Bowl® @thelemonbowl
“As a food blogger who reaches millions of followers every month, I believe it is crucial to take the time out from my busy everyday life to connect in person with my clients, learn more about where our food comes from, and say thank you to the hard-working farmers who feed our nation. Spending a few days with the incredible team at Ocean Mist Farms was hugely impactful because it allowed me to better tell the story of why fresh produce consumption is so important for our health. As a recipe developer, I am hugely inspired by all of the delicious vegetables and meals I sampled throughout the week. I can’t wait to get in the kitchen to try and recreate some of the amazing dishes I enjoyed.”
Mascha Davis MPH, RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and author of Eat Your Vitamins, @nomadista_nutrition
“As a Registered Dietitian who works with the media on a regular basis, touring Ocean Mist Farms and learning about the process of planting, growing, harvesting, and transporting product to consumers was extremely helpful and enlightening. I’ll use this information to educate the public about the exemplary work our growers put into every fruit and vegetable that ends up on their plate, and hopefully inspire them to be even more appreciative and trusting of the high quality and good stewardship that goes into growing their food.”
Tati Rodriguez, Tati Vegan Cooking, @tativegancooking
"Touring Ocean Mist Farms' headquarters and fields was an eye-opening experience for me. Witnessing firsthand the dedication they put into every stage of the farming process, including harvesting and distribution, was very enlightening and inspiring. While touring their facilities, I noticed how the environment throughout all the stages is simply impeccable, highly collaborative, and supportive. This reinforced my admiration for Ocean Mist Farms and their commitment to maintaining the Gold Standard quality they're known for and their leadership in the agricultural industry."
Artichokes are nearly synonymous with companies as innovative in their growing practices and care as Ocean Mist Farms.
In the words of Chef Adrienne Biliske-Meier, a Professional Home Cook and Recipe Developer who walked us through the nutritional, versatile, and spiritual side of the amazing artichoke: “In the center of every Ocean Mist artichoke is an irrevocably beautiful heart... At the core of all Ocean Mist employees is that same heart!”
Perfectly, put, Chef.
There are still so many stories left to tell. Thank you, Ocean Mist Farms, for welcoming us into the fold.
