Sierra Valley Farms is proud to host the only “on-farm” farmers market in the state of California. The Sierra Valley Farms Farmers Market is held among the unique old farm buildings of yesteryear located on the property. During market time, the old grainery built in 1939 is transformed to house the produce stand and walk-in cooler. The quaint farm store is a charming addition that was part of the old chicken shed. The store contains a checkout stand and many condiments and hand made items.

Sierra Valley Farms is a 65-acre certified organic farm and native plant nursery situated on the Middle Fork of the Feather River in the majestic Sierra Valley. The farm is located at 5,000 feet in Beckwourth, California and has one of the most unique growing climates in the West. Sierra Valley Farms was first established as a native plant nursery in 1990 and broadened its diversity to grow certified organic produce in 1999.

The family farm is owned and operated by Gary and Kim Romano, and their son Joey. Sierra Valley Farms' diverse operation includes growing and production of native plants, a wide range of cool-season vegetables and some fruits, micro greens, herbs, wasabi, and value-added condiments.

The Sierra Valley Farms Farmers Market hosts 10 to 12 vendors who are hand-selected based upon their quality and products. The market typically opens the first Friday in June from 10am-2:30pm and continues for 15 weeks until the second Friday in September. The Farmers’ Market also features a free chef’s cooking demonstration from noon to 1pm, highlighting some of the most prestigious chefs in the Sierra Nevada area from Lake Tahoe and Reno.  When the chefs are not on the schedule, the Artisans Market is in full swing featuring affordable wares hand-crafted by local, talented unique artists. Please see the Farmers Market schedule.

The historic farm, once owned by Gary’s grandparents, dates back three generations in Sierra Valley and has corrals with many years of composted manures and organic matter. The Romanos utilize the natural dynamics of cover crops, rotation of crops, wildlife intrusion, and the four seasons to enhance the already fertile soil. This, along with the cool summer climate, produces some of the finest quality organic vegetables in the world.

Sierra Valley has one of the harshest climates in the Sierra Nevada with winter temperatures registering below zero at times, and only 60 to 70 frost-free days per year. Daily temperatures in the summer can fluctuate as much as 50 degrees, with morning lows in the 30’s and afternoon highs in the 80’s-90’s. This climate is perfect for the propagation of native plants. In fact, the nursery sells native plants to the public as well as wholesalers, and has been enlisted by public agencies and private contractors to provide native plants for re-vegetation and restoration projects in the surrounding Sierra Nevada region.

Sierra Valley Farms is proud of their commitment to the sustainability of the family farm. They continue to diversify their farm operations and support agritourism with several events held on the farm including their popular “Dinners in the Barn” summer series.

Hours Open: Fridays 10am-2:30pm

Seasons Open: June through September

Dates for this Market: June 01, 2012 - September 14, 2012

Sierra Valley Farms sells its organic and native plants to the public through Farmers Markets in the Reno/Tahoe area. It has also created a unique community-supported agriculture (CSA) program designed exclusively for local and regional restaurants. The historic farm uses composted manure and organic matter, and is diligent about the rotation of crops.