History

Fifty years ago, a group of forward-thinking farmers blazed trails in Sonoma County, creating a map & guide for local agriculture, inviting the public to meet their farmers and learn more about the origins of their food. These pioneers also produced the Gravenstein Apple Fair to celebrate the heirloom apple and Sonoma County’s rural traditions. This was back in 1973, before the advent of Farmers’ Markets, CSAs, and campaigns to shop locally. Over the years, some of the farmer members have changed, but our “North Star” has remained the same: Farms Forever in Sonoma County!

Sonoma County Farm Trails is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that has worked for decades to promote farmers and to educate the public about the importance of supporting local agriculture. Our mission is to “ensure the continuing economic viability of Sonoma County agriculture by instilling an appreciation of ag as a vital part of our community/lifestyle.” In other words, we cultivate the social and economic fields that our farmers might plant seeds of prosperity and resilience.

To that end, we publish the annual Map & Guide, maintain this dynamic website, organize seasonal farm tours, fund scholarships for aspiring and young farmers, host farm to table feasts, produce the Gravenstein Apple Fair, and collaborate with a large network of organizations and individuals who care deeply about local agriculture, family farms, and the future of our food system.