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MOLINO CREEK FARM COLLECTIVE
Vendor: Judy Low
Molino Creek Farm is known to many a Market regular as “the dry-farmed tomato stand.” Any given weekend in August, you’ll see happy customers carrying off full boxes of Molino Creek’s sweet, organically grown tomatoes, and you know that tomato (sauce) season is upon us! But for owner Judy Low, Molino Creek is not just a tomato farm; it’s a way of life. Judy relates her commitment this way: “Our farm was founded by several families to preserve family farming and the beauty of our land. Organic farming has allowed us to create a livelihood for ourselves and a source of nourishing food for us and our community. Since our founding, we have raised almost 2 generations of children here. Over these twenty years, the composition and interests of the people have varied, but Molino Creek Farm’s commitment to organic farming remains. Because the soil is so singularly important to our tomatoes, we devote a lot of time and effort to assure the fertility of the soil. Producing great tasting vegetables, especially tomatoes, is still our number one priority.” At the farm, located in Davenport, Judy and her compatriots grow a variety of vegetables in addition to their famous dry-farmed tomatoes -- peas, zucchini, cucumbers, onions, winter squash, sweet peppers – and flowers, including sunflowers and dahlias. Customers value their good tasting vegetables, the dry-farmed succulent tomatoes, long lasting flowers and the care they take with the crops and soil. Low has been selling at the Market since 1984. Judy says, “I’m inspired by the appreciation our customers show for our produce and our efforts. Whenever I’m discouraged by the hardships of farming (weather, bugs, disease, etc.), I think of the smiles and happiness of our customers at the Market. Originally what got me involved in farming was the sense that I was part of a movement to bring organic foods to people -- creating healthy foods and providing protection to the environment. Now I realize it’s also about people. “ She continues, “What I find special about the Palo Alto Farmers’ Market is the support of the board of volunteers. There’s a strong sense of caring and responsiveness from everyone, much more than any other market that I’ve attended. Several years back I remember waking up 2 hours late. I rushed out of the house and was up the driveway when I called my helper at the market. I drove as fast as I could and, when I arrived, the volunteers all came out and helped me unload and set up in an empty space. I was selling at 8:15!! It was unbelievable, and I was really (and still am) grateful for the quiet cooperation and support from everyone there.”
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