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Regardless of the genuine quality of the produce and the whole- some farming practices used to create it, the early days of marketing organic produce to the general public was difficult. Martin and Kathy quickly understood a direct connection with consumers was neces- sary to the economic sustainability of the farm. Martin and Kathy helped found the now renowned Davis Farmers Market and with the support of a few gourmet restaurants that understood the superior principals and quality of organic agriculture, they developed a mar- ket for their produce. On the farm, Martin and Kathy raised fruits, vegetables and their four sons Noah, Che, Thaddeus and Freeman. Growing up, the brothers were instilled with a good understanding of the shortcomings of modern agriculture and the benefits of farm- ing organically. From the early stages of their childhood, the brothers helped in the everyday operations of the farm—from field work to office tasks to interacting with customers at farmers markets. By the early 90s, CAPAY ORGANIC was an established small, organic fam- ily farm, supplying Bay Area stores, restaurants and farmers markets with quality, organic produce. The years of growing and selling high quality produce to dedicated customers had paid off.
In 1992, Kathy took the direct connection to customers to a
new level by founding FARM FRESH TO YOU, a Community- Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. From the very beginning, FARM FRESH TO YOU delivered boxes directly to homes instead of using neighborhood drop-off points and partnered with other sustainable farms. Using her parents’ Buick as a delivery “van,” Kathy began her route. Customers responded to this innovative CSA by subscribing to the service, visiting the farm for tours, and cooking with and eating more organic, local produce. Kathy waged a courageous nine-year battle with breast cancer and died in 2000. Her sons had an important decision before them. Her oldest sons, Noah and Che were starting to get settled in their careers. Thaddeus was in college. Youngest son Freeman was still in high school. The brothers made the decision to continue the organic farm and carry on the legacy of their parents.
Today, FARM FRESH TO YOU connects more families to local, sustainable produce than Martin and Kathy ever imagined possible and the founding farm, CAPAY ORGANIC, continues to sell at local farmers markets and delivers wholesale produce to restaurants and retail stores. The brothers have made it their mission to trans- form agriculture in America by connecting local farms and com-
14 Winter Warm 2015-2016
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