By the roadside

For a solid and sobering read about the economics of strawberry production, take a look at Andy Griffin of Mariquita Farm's essay entitled, "Coming up Cherries." According to the piece, Griffin was approached by a local pastor inquiring about assistance for a Mexican family looking for an agricultural contact to provide them with strawberries to sell for a little extra cash. What follows is an insider's look at the expensive reality of strawberry cultivation, the delicate balance of legal practices and illegal realities, and how organic farming should mean more than just expensive, pesticide-free produce.

If you live in the Bay area, you can find Mariquita produce at the San Francisco Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building on Saturdays, or even subscribe to receive a weekly delivery of organic vegetable boxes from Two Small Farms. You don't have to live in the Bay area, however, to subscribe to the Ladybug Letter from Mariquita Farms.