Established 1991
Owners
Trini Campbell and Tim Mueller
Tim and Trini started farming two acres in Rutherford, CA in 1990. Gradually, after much trial and error, the farm has evolved into a very diverse, year-round farm that relies on a combination of wholesale, retail, farmers markets, and a 1,000-member Community Supported Agriculture program. They employ 50 year-round employees.
Chef Canales says “in the last five years Riverdog has become one of our most important farms. It is hard to say what they don’t do well. While they are a larger sized farm, their produce tastes as though it has been given all the time and attention of a personal garden.
Technology
Tractors for transplanting, weed control, and some harvesting.
Challenges
Challenges include the rising costs of fuel and other essential inputs. Consumer expectation of a low price of produce makes rising costs difficult to absorb. It is always a struggle to continue to offer increasing wages to our employees.
Principles
“Farming and access to abundant organic food feeds our souls. We face daily challenges, puzzles and struggles on the farm yet continue to be amazed by the magic of the seed transforming into the food on our tables,” says Trini. “Offering over 100 tomato varieties makes us proud! We also take pride in offering our employees health insurance.”
Practices
Implementation of an organic field and crop management program. The fertility program includes the use of compost and amendments such as ocean products.
Community Supported Agricultural Programs
Currently serving 1,000 members. They distribute to the East Bay, Sacramento/Davis, Napa County, Solano County, and Yolo County. Learn more.
Other plans
Almond butter, eggs laid by pastured hens, and pork.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
Thank you for supporting Riverdog Farm and all the families who work here.
Length of relationship with Oliveto
Over a decade
Location
Guinda, CA
Crops
Wide variety from Padron chili peppers to Vintage Wine tomatoes to Orchid watermelon. Secondary crops: Many crops from almonds to Costada Romanesco zucchini.
Organizations/Certification
CCOF
Community Alliance of Family Farmers
Yolo County Farm Bureau
The Yolo Land Trust
Farmers’ markets
Berkeley Derby Street – Tuesday
Berkeley Shattuck Avenue – Thursday
Berkeley Downtown – Saturday
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