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Mission

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The mission at Gattonelli Farms is health from the ground up. This starts at the farm in the soil and works it's way in all that we do. At Gattonelli we believe that health is achieved through food. This is our focus in our produce and our processed goods. Maintaining health and making healthy products is our goal.

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Meet Jordan

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“How did I get here? Food became important to me in my early twenties (around 1996) when I heard one of my friends asking my dad why he could cook good food and I couldn't. At that point I decided I should learn how to cook and asked my dad to help. He gave me some cook books to read and we started going to Farmers markets buying produce and making meals together. Within the year I had decided that I wanted to become a farmer. Attending the UCSC I entered the Environmental Studies Dept. and began building my foundation of ecological understanding. Through course work in classes from agroecolgy, soil ecology, conservation biology, plant ecology, botany, and hands on internships at the center for agroecology and sustainable food systems my foundation in principles and concepts became solid and I had built a love for soil.

My first full-time job in agriculture came in the form of Americorp running one part of a youth employment program at Berkeley Youth Alternative's garden. Though I did enjoy my time there and I think that it was a great experience it was not farming. So off I went to work on farms. I've also worked in other parts within our food system. Waiting and searching for the right time and place to start my own farm. It came when I found the Round Valley and Covelo organic vegetables, planted my first crop of tomatoes to make sauce and juice with. Since that first year in 2003 my foundation of ecological understanding has grown to incorporate practical farming skills. In the field I strive to create the best environment for soil flora and fauna and the croplands to be planted with constant care for the soil.”

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Meet Laura

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Since an early age Laura has had an avid interest in farming and gardening. She worked at Cultured pickle shop for three years making small-batch artisanal fermented goods. She also volunteered at Berkeley Youth Alternative garden and extensively studied horticulture at Merritt College. Laura is involved in all aspects at Gattonelli, from planting, harvesting, processing, and selling. When you see her at the markets you know you are looking at a farmer. You can find her on Tuesdays in South Berkeley, on Fridays in Old Oakland, and on Sundays in Temescal. For current information check our schedule.