Last weekend we visited one of our favorite farms, CMC Farms, located about ten miles west of Fresno. You may have noticed CMC Farms at various certified farmers’ markets; they have a unique offering of grapes, citrus, stone fruit and nuts, displaying the passion that Cruz and Manas (and Children: “CMC”) Saghdejian have about their own fruit. Our favorite crop from CMC are their Early Wonderful varietal pomegranates in the fall. Vartan, the youngest of the Saghdejian children, takes his job as farmer and salesman very seriously, and met us out on their second generation family farm to discuss the 2010 crop and show us the care they put into their fruit.

Vartan showed us how well organized the farm and the trees and vines are, allowing seven full-time workers on average at the farm to plant and harvest fruit. We talked about how important the “certified” in certified farmers’ markets is, and the business of retail, wholesale and the role of the fruit packers. We discussed the conspicuous “Dust Bowl” signs posted by larger macrofarmers along the I-5 corridor, its associated politics, and effects of current events on the working and economic conditions at the farms. It was encouraging that even amidst the times, a small well-run passionate family farm can survive and thrive.