On a recent visit to the Monterey Bay area on California’s Central Coast, Steve Hoffman, Managing Director, and Seleyn DeYarus, Development Director of The Organic Center, visited Serendipity Farms, an organic flower, vegetable and strawberry farm, as part of a tour hosted by Driscoll Strawberry Associates (www.driscolls.com/organic.php). Serendipity Farms owner Jamie Collins recently established a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture, where members receive a box of fresh flowers, veggies and fruits each week. Visit www.serendipity-organic-farm.com.

Brian McElroy of Driscoll Strawberry Associates holds a CSA box for Serendipity Organic Farms owner Jamie Collins. Photo: Seleyn DeYarus.

The tour also featured a visit to Carmel Middle School’s Hilton Bialek Habitat, a unique, 10-acre outdoor education center where students learn about organic gardening, sustainability, green building and the environment. Visit www.carmelhabitat.org for more information.

Hoffman and DeYarus also visited with Myra Goodman, co-founder of Earthbound Farm, the nation’s leader in organic leafy greens. Julie Morris, Executive Communications Director, and Samanth Cabaluna, Director of Communications for Earthbound Farm, joined the group for an organic lunch prepared by Executive Chef Sarah La Casse. The group met at Earthbound Farm’s original farm stand in Carmel Valley, on land owned by actor and director Clint Eastwood. For info, visit www.ebfarm.com.

The Organic Center recently visited Earthbound Farm in Carmel, CA. Top left to right: Sarah La Casse, Myra Goodman, Steve Hoffman; bottom left to right: Julie Morris, Samantha Cabaluna. Photo: Seleyn DeYarus.