When you visit Calabasas Farmers Market on a Saturday, you’ll often see customers lingering at the Etheridge Farms booth, happily filling their bags before the table sells out. And for good reason, Gene Etheridge has been farming some of the best organic fruit in California for decades.
Gene began his farming journey back in 1967, long before “organic” was a buzzword. His approach has always been simple: grow fruit the right way: fresh, clean, and honest. By the early 1990s, he had become a fixture at our markets, bringing his harvest to the Calabasas Farmers Market since 1992, where his booth quickly became a community favorite.
Shoppers will tell you why they keep coming back: “It’s always fresh. Gene can tell you everything about the fruit—how it’s grown, why it tastes different, and when it’s at its best.” That kind of knowledge only comes from a lifetime of working the land.
Beyond the farm stand, Gene has also given back to agriculture on a broader scale. He served on a California Agricultural panel, working to shape rules and regulations for organic farming and even participating in national conversations about bringing healthier food into schools. His voice has been one of advocacy and authenticity, ensuring that farming stays true to its roots.
For more than 40 years, Gene and Etheridge Farms have been more than just a vendor they’ve been a cornerstone of our farmers market family. His fruit has nourished countless families, and his commitment to organic practices has inspired trust and loyalty across generations of shoppers.
Next time you’re at Calabasas Farmers Market, stop by Etheridge Farms early, you’ll want to get there before his tables are picked clean! And while you’re there, take a moment to say hello. Gene’s stories are as rich as the soil he’s tended all these years. Thank you Gene, for all you do!
You can follow Gene’s journey with Etheridge Farms @etheridgefarms