BajaNomad

Anyone Know About Successful Organic Farming on the Baja?

ZoeyR - 3-15-2014 at 11:30 AM

After receiving very helpful info from this forum years ago, I've been a lurker most of the time, however, since purchasing a little condo in the Los Cabos area last year, I'm 'sticking my toe' back into the forum as I need a reality check!

We (hubs and 3 daughters) have been vacationing here and in Yelapa MX since 1990 and have seen many changes over the years.

We 'fell in love with the Baja' on our first trip and feel like its in our blood.

Not quite able to be here full time due to work, I find my thoughts turning to ways to live here full time.

So, my question, am I nuts to even be thinking about buying and operating an organic farm on the Baja in 'retirement'?

Any thoughts/info would be greatly appreciated and no, I've never farmed but see the whole organic farming 'foodie' movement as being a kind of cool thing for the future of the Baja.

Thanks and please be kind with your comments, some of you guys scare me
:yes:

Zoey

bajaguy - 3-15-2014 at 11:39 AM

Plenty of organic farming in the area south of Ensenada called Maneadero. Many of these farms sell their produce in the US market and one farm sells cherry tomatoes to Trader Joe's

Some vineyards in the Guadalupe Valley organic farm and MD Vineyards does organic vegetable farming in Uripan Additionally there are farming operations in the Santo Tomas Valley and around San Quintin.

DENNIS - 3-15-2014 at 12:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ZoeyR
So, my question, am I nuts to even be thinking about buying and operating an organic farm on the Baja in 'retirement'?

Any thoughts/info would be greatly appreciated and no, I've never farmed but see the whole organic farming 'foodie' movement as being a kind of cool thing for the future of the Baja.

Thanks and please be kind with your comments, some of you guys scare me
:yes:

Zoey


OK...... you know nothing about farming, but you want to buy a farm. hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.................

What about marketing? Do you have any expertise in that field?

I don't mean to be scary, but I think you are on the verge of getting in over your head.........farming perishables with no established customer base. If whoever is trying to sell you a farm claims it comes with a list of established customers, they will owe you nothing and will vacate at the drop of a sombrero for the following reason.......you're a foreigner and breaking into a closed market will be next to impossible. In Mexico, and in most fields, it's not what you know, but who you know.

Perhaps you should rethink the farm as a new career and find something else to do.

Pompano - 3-15-2014 at 12:18 PM

Hola and welcome to the forum.

You can do your family's needs with organic farming by doing what we did for many years in Baja Sur. Hydroponic farming...easy, good eating, and fun.

http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Hydroponic-Garden


Just be sure to use rabbit proof fencing!

p.s. as for doing this commercially...it's probably a little overdone at the moment.

[Edited on 3-15-2014 by Pompano]

David K - 3-15-2014 at 02:18 PM

"On the Baja"... ? Where in Canada are you from ;)...

Seriously seek out Don Jorge for his expert advice here on organic farming in Baja.

MMc - 3-15-2014 at 02:21 PM

How do make a million dollars in Baja, start with two. Mexico has a lot of hoops you will need to jump through before your first crop ever gets planted. I have watched many a gringo get ground down by the Mexican process. Good luck.

willardguy - 3-15-2014 at 02:27 PM

hooterville?

cessna821 - 3-15-2014 at 03:09 PM

Dear Zoe,

Our home in Mulege is for sale you can see it on these websites ...but if you wish we can send more pictures of the garden.

We have many productive fruit trees growing in our garden:
3 coconut palms
1 pistachio
I Valencia orange
1 Seville orange
1 pomelo
1 pink grapefruit
1 key lime
1 mango
1 fig

The garden is surrounded by a wall ....no nasty critters can get in. In the past I have successfully kept chickens.

Every seed I plant germinates. This season I have grown:
Tomatoes
Spinach
Swiss Chard
Lettuce
Radishes
Basil
Parsley
Cilantro
Garlic chives
Zucchini
Peas
Beans

We always have heaps more produce than we can eat. We swap oranges, limes, grapefruit, herbs and  tomatoes for fresh locally caught fish. I make marmalade ....and give some away. If I was here all year around I would make jam and chutney, freeze and bottle vegetables.

None of this needs a certificate in Agriculture and is really satisfying and enjoyable. Unfortunately because of advancing years and age related medical problems we are sadly selling our home after more than fourteen years of blissful weather. We will return to our family in Europe.

Exterior pics:
http://tijuana.backpage.mx/en-au/homes-for-sale/130000-3hb-h...

Interior pics:
http://bajasur.es.craigslist.com.mx/reo/4355640593.html

Kind regards,

Anne

DavidE - 3-15-2014 at 03:32 PM

Wotta Dream...

Gotta go up in the mountains to do it. Greenhouses. Grow specialty salad and spices for luxury Los Locos restaurants. Establish a stable clientele with Mexican hotels. Then and only then could you flap your wings and fly to the moon.

Having operated my own legal businesses in Mexico starting in the 70's unless you learn A LOT OF ROPES that have absolutely zero to do with sound fiscal management by US standards, you are going to become chopped liver so fast your head will spin. Economically Mexico is not a different country, it is a different universe.

Best to diddle at first. Find out what people WANT then try sampling to see if you can make it happen. Without stretching your neck across the chopping block and yelling "I Dare You!"

ZoeyR - 3-15-2014 at 04:02 PM

Thanks everyone, I love you guys!

To answer some questions, I'm from Canada (Vancouver), however come from generations of farmers from the Prairies :) ,( not totally green behind the ears) and have a BSc in Agriculture, Land and Earth Sciences.

I think your comments are all fair and very informative and simply trying to get our electric bill changed to our name (with no luck) has given us a tiny taste of being more than a tourist here.

I think there is a flood of Boomers moving here and maybe David should write a book!

Maybe all I need is a little garden and some chickens.

LosCabosbound - 3-15-2014 at 04:35 PM

ZoeyR,

Go check out Flora Farms in the San Jose area...very inspiring.
There gardens are unbelievable, food is great, drinks even better, atmosphere off the charts.

Not the easiest place to find but worth the effort

monoloco - 3-15-2014 at 04:37 PM

There's a lot of produce, both organic and non, being produced here in BCS for the US and Canadian markets. There are also many USDA compliant packing facilities and a transportation infrastructure to ship to market. Oregon TILTH certification is also available in Mexico. The export market for winter vegetables is very lucrative and there are both foreign and local farmers capitalizing on it. The area where I live used to predominately grow chiles for the Mexican domestic market, but every year more farmers here are switching to export crops, and they are growing a wider variety of produce, which has been good for the economy and the table. Now we can go to local produce stands and buy everything from heirloom tomatoes to watermelon radishes.

LosCabosbound - 3-15-2014 at 04:38 PM

Link to Flora Farms...

www.flora-farms.com


[Edited on 3-15-2014 by LosCabosbound]

ZoeyR - 3-15-2014 at 04:39 PM

I love Flora Farms, thanks

DavidE - 3-15-2014 at 04:53 PM

Lencho, that's why I forwarded my work permits, letters, and documents on to others so they could store them. Not interested in consulting. If you have an argument contesting my information, state it, clearly.

Bajahowodd - 3-15-2014 at 05:02 PM

I'm actually somewhat surprised that no prig stepped up to note that it is not called the Baja, but just Baja.

That said, the Del Cabo folks in Pescadero have been producing organic tomatoes and other produce for over a decade. Their home base is in Northern California.

David K - 3-15-2014 at 05:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I'm actually somewhat surprised that no prig stepped up to note that it is not called the Baja, but just Baja.

That said, the Del Cabo folks in Pescadero have been producing organic tomatoes and other produce for over a decade. Their home base is in Northern California.


Did you not see my reply?
What's a 'prig'? It is Baja California, not just 'Baja'... but I think we all know and love La Baja enough to abbreviate it any way that makes us happy! Yes?

boutique farming

Whale-ista - 3-15-2014 at 05:23 PM

Zoey-
You don't say if this is to be a large enterprise or a small home-based biz. This sounds a bit like what you have in mind: small scale, but hi quality organic and "heirloom" veggies. You aren't competing with the mega-farmers but going after "boutique" markets. Is that correct?

As others have pointed out: it takes time, connections, relationships etc. to do what you are proposing.

FWIW, 20 years ago, following the drowning death of her spouse near La Mision, a friend of mine began selling her organic produce to restaurants in Ensenada.

She had young children to support, and had always managed a small garden outside her home in the Guadalupe Valley. Over the years, she built up her Business by supplying friends who used her produce in their restaurants around Ensenada.

As they say, the rest is history: today she is supplying many of the "upper crust" restaurants, wineries and hotels with produce that chefs and foodies know and love and ask for by name. She has been highlighted in many stories about the wine and food in the valley.

So consider how much time you have to invest not only in the garden, but in cultivating relationships. That makes all the difference, in addition to the quality of the produce you grow.

Send me a U2U if you want to talk with my friend about her experience, and visit her operation.

Organic Farms

LaRibereña - 3-16-2014 at 07:22 AM

Lots of them in Santiago, Miraflores, Santa Cruz - all growing organic veggies for the US market and near to Los Cabos.

David K - 3-16-2014 at 01:34 PM

Awesome reply Don Jorge... I knew you would have the best info!

Whale-ista - 3-16-2014 at 02:03 PM

Thanks Don Jorge- good Information. You mention the importance of finding a "niche." I'm still not clear if her goal is large or small scale.

I have heard that small wineries are called "boutique." Is there a similar way to describe small (organic) farming operations?

DENNIS - 3-16-2014 at 02:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Whale-ista

I have heard that small wineries are called "boutique." Is there a similar way to describe small (organic) farming operations?


I've heard them called "gardens." :biggrin:

mcfez - 3-16-2014 at 10:31 PM

Organic farming? Look into Sustainable farming. Far better.

http://thenatomasfarm.blogspot.com/2014/02/sustainable-farme...

Looking to farm in Baja is looking for a disaster waiting to happen. Mexican regulations. export regulations, farm equipment and support parts is tough as nails, and whatever crop you may do requires lots of water unless you were thinking greenhouse hydroponics.

We've looked into this too......and decided rather quickly that odds are NOT in favor to succeed. Now if you are new to farming...then you will most likely fail instantly from a lack of understanding of dealing with EVERYDAY issues of a farm. I know....I'm a farmer in Sacramento. http://www.thenatomasfarm.com

Email me if you wish assistance with this idea...........

Either way you go ....I do indeed wish you the very best to success.

[Edited on 3-17-2014 by mcfez]

micah202 - 3-16-2014 at 11:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ZoeyR


Maybe all I need is a little garden and some chickens.


...youcould probably get away with a small operation,,just sell to gringo neighbors ,,,

.....ever try brewing??..(hint),,,the combination could do well,,,
,,,and lots of 'solace' on-hand otherwise;D:tumble:

EnsenadaDr - 3-17-2014 at 07:42 AM

There is also a large facility in Maneadero south of Ensenada.
Quote:
Originally posted by LaRibereña
Lots of them in Santiago, Miraflores, Santa Cruz - all growing organic veggies for the US market and near to Los Cabos.

mulegemichael - 3-17-2014 at 09:45 AM

we've been certified organic farmers for 19 years now and trust me when i say, "this is no easy gig"...and that's in washington state.. www.purplehazelavender.com ...trying to get an organic farm off the ground south of the border is another thing....we know some big operations down our way here in mulege that sell to trader joes...ya otta see them after a weather incident like hurricane jimena...not a pretty picture...total loss of dozens of greenhouses...and ol trader joes isn't there to help out.

ZoeyR - 3-17-2014 at 10:41 AM

Hi All,

I was traveling yesterday, so couldn't get to a computer, now back in Raincouver.

I am thinking very small scale, niche market products, serving hotels and local expats in the Los Cabos area, using expertise of local farmers and using local labour.

Part of the idea is to give back some of the produce to support to local 'food programs' in San Jose that are supported through LIGA Mac

Brewing/winery is an interesting thought, not sure about the weather & geography for grapes? I'm a good friend of Bill W so won't do the tasting myself.

Keep the comments coming, it is all incredibly helpful!

Siiiimon

BFS - 3-17-2014 at 11:02 AM

Here in the TS/Pesky area I know of 5 different small scale organic growers who supply the local restaurants, expats community and sell at farmers markets and they do very well. They are such an asset to have in the area and make living here just that much better. So I would say go for it, we need you!!!

Whale-ista - 3-17-2014 at 12:09 PM

thank you for the clarification regarding:scale of operations and desired location

Sounds lilke you may have good mentors available in BCS

motoged - 3-17-2014 at 01:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by LosCabosbound
ZoeyR,

Go check out Flora Farms in the San Jose area...very inspiring.
There gardens are unbelievable, food is great, drinks even better, atmosphere off the charts.

Not the easiest place to find but worth the effort


I visited the Flora Farms with a friend in January...she is an acquaintance of the family who started the place and has watched it develop over the years as she is a master gardener and shares the interest.

I must say, organic gardening has certainly set up an upscale establishment....the restaurant was impressive as was the kitchen.....they have "cottages" they rent for $2000 a night (no you can't stay in their son's tipi)....and these might be the cobb-constructed homes for sale for what looked like $400,000.00 ...:o :O :o .

nice place....tasty food....very "chic".

ZoeyR - 3-17-2014 at 02:07 PM

I've watched Flora Farms grow over the years too, (from afar, no personal connections) their concept is very cool!

I'm thinking similar but different ie more of yoga/healing vibe with products that utilize the natural local ingredients and a line of desserts ....

If any of you are from BC, like some of the places on the Gulf Islands

It's sure fun to dream!

motoged - 3-17-2014 at 03:19 PM

Zoey,
Like Hollyhock on Cortes? :saint:

ZoeyR - 3-17-2014 at 04:42 PM

Yes, kind of like Hollyhock or some of the places on Salt Spring!

Air BnB option?

Whale-ista - 3-17-2014 at 05:33 PM

That's becoming an attractive combo: bed & breakfast on a farm. Feed them some of your fresh produce...

Here is an example from Guadalupe Valley: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/776850?checkin=03%2F21%2F2014&a...

Raiz de Fondo/ Roots Background

Mulegena - 3-20-2014 at 08:36 AM

In the La Paz area: http://raizdefondo.org/index.php/en

Mula - 3-20-2014 at 03:55 PM

This is the link to the Del Cabo Organic Brand/Jacob Farm here in Baja.

http://www.delcabo.com/

windgrrl - 3-20-2014 at 04:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ZoeyR
I've watched Flora Farms grow over the years too, (from afar, no personal connections) their concept is very cool!

I'm thinking similar but different ie more of yoga/healing vibe with products that utilize the natural local ingredients and a line of desserts ....

If any of you are from BC, like some of the places on the Gulf Islands

It's sure fun to dream!


Welcome to BN!

You might be behind the curve a bit. There are already a number of large operations serving the Cabo Market and surrounding East Cape areas as well as yoga/healing centres.

You'll heirloom tomatoes, purple, yellow and green beans, mini cucumbers, mesclun lettuces, arugula, bok choy, designer veggies, all colors of carrots, white turnips, squash, corn, etc., etc. There are also a fair number of locals and ex-pats producing and marketing gourmet products such as wine, smoked fish, sausage, quiche, banquettes, vegan foods, honey, mango products, artisanal breads, deli items, dog cookies, health foods, etc., etc. I don't think there is a shortage of eggs.

Having a garden and chickens will be easy. Marketing your wares would take some investigation as I think the market is getting a bit competitive in some areas.

You should come down and visit to get a feel for what's happening. Make a trip to the San Jose organic market and some of the farms and towns around the areas you are interested in to find out what niches need filling.

Best wishes on your venture!

[Edited on 3-20-2014 by windgrrl]

ZoeyR - 3-21-2014 at 02:18 PM

Thanks Windgrrl, I have started sampling the amazing food around SJC