Santa Cruz Farmers Markets

New Natives is a Santa Cruz based microgreens, sprout and mushroom farm started by Sandra Ward and Ken Kimes in 1982. Sandra states, “We started very green but, curious and eager to embark on a creative endeavor where we would learn much and possibly make a living”. Developing the growing system and many processes on their own, the two worked day and night spurred by increasing demand. Over three decades their tiny production in a garage blossomed into a business with 10 employees producing over 2,000 lbs. weekly. With your health in mind, New Natives harvests their microgreens in the sprout stage when the plant is feeding from the seed. This stage is noteworthy for a high concentration of vitamins and enzyme activity in addition to flavor. To find their spectacular array of sunflower, broccoli, scallion and arugula shoots, aside a spread of colorful mushrooms and tasty sprouts, stop by their farmstand at the Live Oak or Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers' Market.

Stackhouse Orchards is family owned and operated for over 40 years now growing over 140 varieties of stone fruit as well as growing and flavoring their own almonds.

Hans hoped to focus his thorough knowledge into a service that he could provide to his community in order to share in and spread seafood appreciation for all of its many health benefits and limitless culinary making ecologically sound choices when it comes to selecting their seafood. In 2003 he found his niche at the local farmers markets, when he & Heidi began selling his own local salmon catch. They also then got licensing to be able to purchase fish directly from local hook-and-line fishermen. Since then they have grown to include 18 markets per week and now are also enjoying taking on additional ventures with their new CSS program and even doing Oyster Bar Catering at parties, weddings, festivals, and events.