If you ask any farmer they will tell you that soil matters. Over the last 20 years since Prop 215’s passing in 1996 multiple economic zones have been created for cannabis production throughout the state of California. Some of the fastest growing zones are in the Deserts of California. For those of us who grew up in beach towns, wrapping our mind around moving to the desert to garden is a tough concept to grasp. During the most recent drought the idea of anything thriving let alone surviving in that dry desert climate is almost unfathomable.
In it’s earlier days Santa Barbara was a get away from Los Angeles for the ultra rich and one of the largest sources for sustainable freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. To this day the 805 region is known for having some of not only California’s best farms, but some of the best in America.
Santa Barbara has grown up a lot over the years but our farming roots continue to run deep. We are called the American Riviera and for good reason. Santa Barbara has carved out a well known name in the wine market while many other industries continue to also grow. Our olive farms are award winning and people travel from around the globe to buy the world-famous orchids of Carpinteria.
Our award winning farms are not only filling the local farmer’s markets but filling the produce sections and store shelves of thousands of major grocers throughout the country too. Ventura County is home to over 2,000 farms generating over $1.4 billion dollars in annual revenue. Santa Barbara will always remain a beach town, one supported by our amazing soil. Over a quarter million acres of farmland nestled next to the mountains get the snow, the ocean breeze, and all of the great things that mother nature brings.
Some of the finest wines come from Santa Barbara County serving as home to iconic vintners Firestone Vineyards and Fess Parker to name a few. The largest fresh produce shipper in the United States, Sunkist, calls the 805 home as well. Driscoll’s, the leading supplier of fresh berries also planted their roots in Santa Barbara County.
When we say we are 805 Farmily, we mean it at the soil level. The land we farm on has a long storied history and we are proud that Santa Barbara County is home to our sustainable artisan cannabis grows. The soil is rich, the climate is perfect, and the sun is almost always shining. It will take much more than cheap rent and tax credits to uproot us from our home, our families, and our 805 roots.