Help Grant Brians' Heirloom Organic family farm

Grant Brians and his family farm Heirloom Organic Gardens on the Brians Ranch needs help to continue. In 1976 we became the first organic farm in San Benito County, California and the Santa Clara Valley. For decades we have grown the tastiest vegetables, herbs, edible flowers and specialties for the extraordinary restaurants, farmers' markets, retail stores and CSAs of Northern California, Southern California and far beyond. The last several years have finally taken their toll.

An accumulation of difficulties has led to the need for funds. These include floods (just this year 105 acres were flooded), machinery and vehicle issues, providing care for parents and friends and their passing, Pandemic related restaurant closures and challenges (our primary customers), shortages and so many other things.

We now grow about 80% of our own vegetable seed. Many of the heirloom and original varieties we use are not available commercially. Our repertoire includes farm original varieties like the medley of colors Carrot and Heirloom Purple Daikon. We steward and grow Heirloom varieties of Onions, Arugula, Spigariellos (from Italy) and so many more.

Those who have tasted our signature Bloomsdale type Spinach, Greens, Mandurian Cucumbers, Asian vegetables, Baby Corn, Root Crops, edible flowers and so much more know the treats that will be lost if we cannot continue. When Grant started growing vegetables among his mother’s flowers in the back yard in Los Angeles at age 4, imitating his Grandmother’s victory garden started just before WWII, then had a market garden in Los Altos CA at age 11 and started commercial farming at age 14 with a seed contract producing seed for Keystone Seed Co, no one had an idea of what would grow later.

With this crucial financial point, our 47 year farming journey, three-generation activity on the farm founded in 1867 as the Chase Family farm is threatened and we may no longer be able to bring the flavors to market. Also, Grant has been the Farmers’ Market Santa Claus since the start of Covid, St. Nicholas at church and the dispenser of good cheer and counsel to customers! You can see us (family and helpers) at select farmers' markets in the SF Bay Area.