Springtime is full of promise. Stop at one of our farmers’ markets and we can all experience the riches that our local growers cultivate from our mild climate, sun, and soil. Yet for the farmers and ranchers of our region, working in harmony with the natural elements while navigating the economic complexities of the North Bay in a way that is both productive and fiscally feasible is increasingly difficult. This issue explores the many ways that our area’s growers and makers are making ends meet while taking the reins of an unpredictable future—and in the process providing us all with the hard-earned fruits of their labor.
Many of West Marin’s next generation of farmers and ranchers have found support in a grant system awarded by MALT (Marin Agricultural Land Trust) and balance it with creative approaches to land management, second jobs and farmstands to find profit in their industry.
Sonoma County natural winemaker Martha Stoumen celebrates her 10th vintage this year while finding community and camaraderie in shared winemaking facilities and a dedication to mentorship as interest in the natural wine industry continues to grow.
Community Soil founders Paolo Tantarelli and Jeff Shields center their landscape design business on permaculture—a design philosophy and practice that focuses on sustainability and working in harmony with the ecosystem. And it’s with that philosophy in mind that we also explore companion planting and the importance of composting in this issue.
Of course, one need not work the land to recognize the benefit of its use. Many of our North Bay chefs are uniquely adept at transforming the produce of local farms into fantastic seasonal dishes. Heidrun Meadery proprietor Gordon Hull makes the most of last year’s late-season rain by crafting mead from honey born of the late-blooming black sage. And Sonoma ceramicist Kala Stein finds inspiration in the blooms and branches of every season to craft beautiful botanical tableware.
Inspiration and appreciation. That’s what we feel every time we have an opportunity to share the stories of the North Bay’s talented and hardworking growers, craftspeople, and small business owners in our pages. Lucky for us all that it’s easy to support to their endeavors—and in ways that benefit all of us. Visit farmers markets, shop local, eat at our area’s fantastic restaurants and we can all continue to experience our region’s tremendous riches now and in the years to come.
