There are nine unique Farmers Markets throughout Mendocino County that provide fresh produce to you. Every market is unique, reflecting the character of each small town. Our lively markets offer fresh products that are certified to ensure that a customer is buying directly from the people who grew it, raised it, or produced it.

Mendocino County Farmers Markets

1. Boonville: May 7 – October 29, Saturday from 9:30-12:00, Boonville Hotel
2. Fort Bragg: May 4 – October 26, Wednesday from 3:00-6:00, Downtown / Franklin and Laurel Streets
3. Gualala: May 21-November 5, Saturday from 9:30-12:30, Gualala Community Center
4. Laytonville: June13-October, Monday from 2:30-5:30, Good Food Store / Hwy. 101
5. Mendocino: May 6-October 28, Friday from 12:00-2:00, Howard Street
6. Redwood Valley: June 12-October 9, Sunday from 9:30-12:30, Lions County Park
7. Ukiah: Year Round, May-October, Saturday from 8:30-Noon, and November-April, 9:30-Noon, Alex Thomas Plaza / Clay & School Streets
8. Ukiah: June 7-October 25, Tuesday from 4:00-7:00, Alex Thomas Plaza / Clay & School Streets
9. Willits: Year Round, Thursday from 3:00-6:00, Summer, City Park, May 5-October 27, Winter, Willits Grange, November 3-April 26

On March 6, 2004 residents of Mendocino county passed a measure that bans the planting of Genetically Engineered (GE) crops — also known as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) — within their county. Mendocino county’s Measure H is being used as a model for at least seven other counties in California where local residents are well on their way to passing similar measures. Californians feel that local measures seeking to ban the cultivation of GE crops are critical steps to take in the promotion of economically and ecologically sustainable agriculture.

Growing Practices

An Explanation of Terms

The farms are categorized with terms participants have chosen from our questionnaire. We’re notin a position to assure that the categories chosen are correct—that can be verified by a certifyingagency or by the Mendocino County Department of Agriculture. Biodynamic: Emphasizes the total farm as a holistic organism using specific sustainablepractices (most fertilizers and animal food are produced on the farm).Some farms are certified, some are not, but all adhere to the same specific criteriaexpected of certified biodynamic growers. Organic: Grows according to standards for organic certification, without the useof chemicals, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides, and without genetically engineeredseeds or plants. These can be certified—maintaining records of the farmmanagement plan with annual fees, inspections and review of practices to ensurecompliance—or not certified, but all adhere to the same specific criteria expectedof organic growers with the exception of record keeping, fees, inspections andreviews. Mendocino Renegade Certification: Assures organic claims at reasonable cost tolocal producers and processors, with minimal paperwork. Not part of the USDAcertification system, Mendocino Renegade aims to minimize the role of governmentand politics in organic agriculture. Transitional: Participating in the three-year process of becoming certified organic. Combination: Utilizes some biodynamic, organic practices, or natural principles, butwill use conventional methods when the health of a crop or animal is endangered. Natural: Uses growing practices that encourage a natural balance of soil fertilityand animal/plant health, prevention of diseases, and decrease of insect/pest infestation.Only non-synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides are used wheneverthe health of a crop or animal is endangered. Unlike organic certification, thiscategory has no provision for verification. Conventional: Uses methods that include synthetic materials (chemical fertilizers,fungicides, pesticides, herbicides) to increase production and decrease laborcosts, and the training and permits for using these materials. May use IntegratedPest Management to avoid unnecessary use of pesticides unless insect traps indicatea significant presence. Wild crafted/wild harvested: May have no control over the wild environment—for example, contaminants in our oceans or forests—but makes every effort toharvest a healthy product by choice of location, laboratory testing or other practices.Harvesting practices ensure continuation of the species with minimal negativeimpact on its habitat. Note: The terms “organic” and “biodynamic” are now registered trademarks of the USDANational Organic Program and the Demeter Association, respectively, and may not be usedunless the grower or processor is certified by one of these organizations.

Educational Opportunities on Farms and in Gardens

1. Ecology Action: Biointensive Gardening CenterOffers classes, 6-month internships and 3-year apprenticeships. 5798 Ridgewood Rd, Willits 95490 Ph: 459-0150Wb: www.growbiointensive.org
2. Emerald Earth Community: Offering courses and workshops on sustainableliving skills. Hosting occasional work partiesand extended work/trade opportunities. PO Box 764, Boonville, CA 95415. Ph: 707-972-3096 Wb. www.emeraldearth.org
3. Live Power Farm: Offers seasonal apprenticeships. 25451 East Lane, Covelo, 95428. Phone 707-983-8196. www.livepower@jgc.org.
4. Oz Farm: Offers seasonal work exchange. PO Box 244, Point Arena, Ca. 95468. Phone 707-882-3046. www.oz-farm.com

For lodging phone 707-937-2810 or online at reservations. For dinner phone 707-937-2810 or online at opentable.