JR Organics

Farmers Market Vendor Feature: J.R. Organics
www.jrorganicsfarm.com
J.R. Organics: 31030 Rodriguez Road Escondido, CA 92026

On any given Sunday at the Hillcrest Farmers Market, Joe Rodriguez Jr. can be found directly across from the musical performers, smiling and conversing with regular customers as they happily peruse through the wide array of fresh, organic produce. Joe’s company, J.R. Organics is a certified (CCOF) organic vegetable farm started by the Rodriguez family in the early 1950s that consistently has over 45 different vegetables being grown, as well as strawberries, melons, and a variety of fresh flowers.

J.R. Organics is a family run business staffed by Joe himself, his father (Joe Sr.), his mother, brothers, nephews, nieces and even his own children. The family now participates in 10 different Farmers Markets, and gathers once a week to discuss logistics and decide who will go where.

J.R. Organics is a row-crop operation meaning that everything is seasonal and therefore always fresh. They also use some of the best organic growing techniques available, including crop rotation, green manures, beneficial insects, composting and mulching. They fertilize with worm castings, rock minerals and other organic fertilizers. Joe Jr. is very particular about their farming strategies, stating that “My belief is to create a high quality product with high taste values, and good flavor to keep our customers coming back.”

Joe is one of the original farmers who have happily been with the Hillcrest Farmers Market from day one, “I love to do it- we enjoy being out there, seeing our products grow, taking it to people and seeing them say ‘wow, it can be done beautifully and organically,’” says Joe who also notes that the most rewarding part of this is knowing he is helping to protect our environment and his workers from pesticides, and then seeing people happy and taking a product away that has been grown the right way.

“Get to know your farmers and support your local farmers,” suggests Joe. So instead of your local grocery store, stop by the Hillcrest Farmers Market for the freshest of the fresh, and say hello to Joe right across from the music performers this Sunday and every Sunday!

Fabulous Hillcrest Meetup!

The Hillcrest Business Association (HBA) has just started a Fabulous Hillcrest meetup group! The group is geared toward organizing events and meetups for people who love the urban neighborhood of Hillcrest and are looking for more ways to enjoy it. If you love the Farmers Market, you’re just the kind of person who should be at the Fabulous Hillcrest meetups! Join the group now at: http://www.meetup.com/Fabulous-Hillcrest-Meetup/

The first meetup that has been organized is this Sunday, September 27 at 10:00am, and will take place at the Hillcrest Farmers Market! Please meet at the Information Booth at 10 am to take a tour of the market, meet some of the farmers, and sample some of the fresh produce being sold. As always, the Seventh Day Buskers will be performing live and there will be plenty to see and do! We look forward to seeing you there and don’t forget to join the Meetup group to stay informed about other Hillcrest meetups!

The Hillcrest Farmers Market is at the DMV Parking lot on Lincoln & Normal Streets and is open every Sunday, rain or shine, from 9am-2pm.

Welcome to the Hillcrest Farmers Market Blog!

Did you know that the Hillcrest Farmers Market is regarded as the "Best" Farmers Market in San Diego? If you don't know why, you clearly haven't been to it! This blog will give you the latest news and other additional information on the Hillcrest Farmers Market to keep you up to date and informed.

A little background, the Hillcrest Farmers Market orignially opened on the second Sunday in April 1997. The market originally opened with 35 vendors and now has grown and reached its maximum capacity at the present site of 110 vendors.

Sticking to its roots, the Hillcrest Farmers Market still has the widest selection of friendly farmers selling their freshest produce, fruit, and flowers.
Many of the local and California Farmers participating in the market grow their produce organically or with no pesticides.

You can also find a variety of other specialty farm grown foods ranging from all types of cheese, specially made hummus and dips, salsa, olive oil products, poultry, jams, and pastries. Unique handmade crafts and jewlery are also available, as well as orchids and cactus plants, dog food, dresses, hats, and wine bottle holders! Oh, and don't forget to stop by the hot foods section! Tastes from all over the world can be found there from gourmet Parisian crepes to homemade tamales, peace pies, paninis, coffee, and the best gyros around. There is also live musical performances in the center of the market. So skip your boring grocery store and come to the Hillcrest Farmers Market instead!

The Hillcrest Farmers Market is open every Sunday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm rain or shine and is located at the DMV parking lot at the intersection of Lincoln and Normal streets. Any questions contact market organizer David Larson at 619-237-1632 or email: DRLinBaja@hotmail.com.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

-HBA Staff