BALAKIAN FARMS

Ginger, Clarence, Amber and Stella Balakian

Reedley, California

Certified Since: 2001

Ginger Balakian lives on the land where she grew up helping her mom and dad farm tree fruit and grapes. Her grandfather was an immigrant from Armenia, who planted a vineyard in the Reedley area 100 years ago. Her father, John, bought the ranch they live and farm on 70 years ago. Her mom, her husband, Clarence, and her daughter Amber all have a hand in the family farm operation. Twelve years ago, they transitioned to Organic Farming methods, a rather radical concept in the vast and conventionally farmed Central Valley. Balakian Farms is now a 35-acre Certified Organic oasis of Heirloom Tomatoes, Peaches, Plums, Pluots, Grapes, Pomegranates, Onions and Heirloom Squash.

During the harvest season, it is all hands on deck! Each family member puts in long hours packing the wide assortment of fruits and vegetables. Ginger's daughter, Amber, recently graduated from UC San Diego and is currently studying at Harvard in preparation to continue the family farm for another generation. The Balakians are committed to the farm, not just as an occupation, but also as a way of life. The family approach resonates in the quality of the product and the quality of relationships that the Balakians share with each other and their workers, who are considered and treated like members of the family. Enjoy!