A Legacy of Organics
Homegrown Organic Farms began with a family’s deep-rooted commitment to farming in harmony with nature. In 1989, John and Cindy France made the bold decision to transition their family farm, France Ranch, to organic practices—becoming one of the first citrus farms in the valley to embrace this movement. Driven by a profound respect for both the land and the people who work it, their vision was built on the belief that farming could not only nourish the earth but also those who cultivate it.
This journey of care, responsibility, and stewardship continues today. As an employee-owned company, we now partner with over 100 organic growers across California and Oregon, proudly carrying forward Frances’ pioneering spirit. Together, we grow fresh, flavorful produce that reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and a healthier future for generations to come.
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1938
Rooted in Stewardship
The France family sets a legacy in motion with the founding of France Ranch, a dairy and fruit operation built on integrity, grit, and a deep respect for the land. By the 1960s, citrus, olives, and walnuts were grown on the ranch, expanding a vision grounded in care for the soil and doing what’s right. When the dairy was sold in 1969, the next generation stepped in to nurture both the farm and the values it was founded on.
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1989
A New Way Forward
When John France takes over the family farm, he begins to question the long-term impacts of common farming practices. Drawn to the early organic movement and its focus on soil health and sustainability, he makes the bold decision to transition France Ranch to organic—a path few had taken at the time. Even when the market pushes back, John stays the course, guided by a simple belief: farming should nurture the land, the people, and future generations. Decades later, he’s still learning, because as John often says, “Every year is different, every season is different, and you learn from each one.”
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A Mission Takes Root
John and Cindy France established Sierra Heights Marketing to sell their organic fruit, an effort born from necessity during a time when organic was still new and many traditional marketers weren’t willing to take the risk. As word spreads, growers who share their vision for integrity and sustainability begin to join them. Wearing every hat, from grower support and logistics to accounting and sales, Frances laid the foundation for a company rooted in service, relationships, and long-term stewardship.
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Becoming Homegrown Organic Farms
Sierra Heights Marketing becomes Homegrown Organic Farms, a name that reflects the company’s values, vision, and growing community. More than a rebrand, it marks a renewed commitment to organic growers, consumer education, and the future of organic farming. Ten years after its founding, Sierra Heights Marketing became Homegrown Organic Farms, a name that reflects the company’s values, vision, and growing community of organic family farmers. The change marks a renewed commitment to bridging the gap between farm and consumer, setting the stage for a future rooted in transparency, a passion for organic agriculture, and the real stories of the growers behind it all.
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Growing Together
A partnership with AgriCare brings together shared purpose and expertise. As a full-service farm management company, AgriCare brings growing, harvesting, and food safety under one unified approach, creating true vertical integration. Together, they expand Homegrown’s organic footprint across California and Oregon, delivering greater consistency, transparency, and care from field to consumer.
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2013
Investing in Excellence
Alongside the Peterson Family, Homegrown Organic Farms acquires the Kingsburg cold storage facility, creating a centralized hub for packing, storing, and shipping organic fruit year-round. The investment strengthens the company’s commitment to quality, cold chain integrity, and operational efficiency, ensuring that what’s grown with care is handled with care every step of the way.
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2015
“Committed to Caring” Launches
Homegrown launches Committed to Caring (formerly Cultivating Care), an initiative rooted in giving back to the people and communities it serves. From local giving efforts to community partnerships, the program reflects a long-standing belief that farming should enrich not only the land, but the lives it touches.
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Putting People First
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Homegrown became the first in the industry to earn Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certification for stone fruit, a milestone in social responsibility. Rooted in transparency, collaboration, and worker well-being, the certification has since expanded to include Homegrown’s citrus, blueberries, grapes, and fall fruit. It reflects a simple truth: growing with care means caring for the people behind every harvest.
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A Family of Companies
Homegrown Organic Farms and AgriCare join together as Homegrown Companies, an employee-owned, values-driven family of businesses. The transition reflects a shared commitment to integrity, stewardship, and building lasting opportunity for generations to come.
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Leading in Certifications
Homegrown becomes the first in the industry to achieve Regenerative Organic Certified® status for stone fruit, a milestone in its long-standing commitment to responsible farming. As an early adopter of organic practices, the company continues to lead by example, later expanding its ROC® program to include fall fruits and blueberries. The certification reflects a holistic approach to soil health, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship.
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Growing the Berry Program
A merger with Hurst Berry Farms International (HBFI) brings decades of conventional berry expertise and proprietary kiwi berry varietals into the Homegrown family. The partnership creates new opportunities for growers and offers expanded variety to customers.
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Storytelling that Inspires
Homegrown launches its GROWN by video series, sharing the real stories and voices of organic growers like the Peterson Family, Agustin Cardenas, and France Ranch. That same year, the series earned a Best Educational Video Bestie’s Award from AndNowUKnow, recognizing Homegrown’s commitment to transparency and storytelling that connects people to the heart of farming.
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Celebrated by Whole Foods Market
Homegrown is honored as a 2024 Supplier All-Star by Whole Foods Market, celebrating more than three decades of partnership built on shared values. Since the earliest days of organic, Whole Foods has championed Homegrown’s mission. This recognition reflects a relationship defined by quality, consistency, and a mutual commitment to doing what’s right for people and the planet.
A Family of Companies
Homegrown Companies are built on the belief that doing the right thing—for the land, for people, and for future generations—can also be good business. Our family of companies is bound together not just by shared ownership through our ESOP, but by a shared purpose: to steward the land well, grow with integrity, and build a legacy of trust and care.
Each division plays a unique role in our vertically integrated ecosystem, working together to grow, harvest, pack, and market high-value specialty crops. From boots on the ground to produce on the shelf, we are committed to responsible labor practices, land stewardship, and long-term success for every stakeholder—from farmworkers to investors.
Field to Fork
Founded in 1998, our sales and marketing team specializes in creating value for organic and conventional produce by championing ethical practices, regenerative farming, and authentic storytelling. We don’t just sell fruit—we share the story behind every crop, every grower, and every season. Our team helps turn good farming into lasting impact by delivering high-quality produce with heart and integrity.
Farm Services
Since 1990, AgriCare has supported both organic and conventional growers with the tools, knowledge, and expertise to farm sustainably. With operations across California and Oregon, AgriCare brings decades of hands-on experience in nurturing crops and relationships alike. Whether it’s day-to-day management or long-term strategy, AgriCare exists to help farms thrive—today and for generations to come.
Land and Legacy
Our Farmland Investment and Development division identifies opportunities for long-term growth while honoring the values that guide our work. With a robust network and deep industry insight, we help investors evaluate land acquisition, leasing, and development through a responsible lens. Every model we build, every partnership we form, is designed to cultivate not just profit—but purpose.
Our Values
At the heart of our work is a commitment to be humble, do the right thing, grow as a team, and exceed expectations. These values are the foundation of everything we do, shaping our relationships, decisions, and actions.
Be Humble
We own our mistakes, give credit where it’s due, and always put others first. Humility helps us grow together and create positive outcomes in everything we do.
Do the Right Thing
Integrity is at the heart of our business. We make decisions rooted in honesty and accountability, ensuring that every interaction—whether with employees, growers, or customers—is built on trust and respect.
Grow as a Team
Success is a team effort. We embrace diverse perspectives, value collaboration, and believe that when we support one another, we all thrive—whether on the farm, in the office, or with our partners.
Exceed Expectations
We aim to do more than deliver quality—we strive to deliver excellence. From farm to table, we go above and beyond to provide flavorful produce, create meaningful partnerships, and make a positive impact in everything we do.
Growing for Generations
Our commitment to stewardship goes beyond the farm. From soil health to worker well-being, every decision we make is rooted in care for the land, people, and future generations.