For our next profile in the "From the Ground Up" series, we talk with Edward Grangetto, co-owner of Grangetto Ranches Inc. and co-founder of Escondido Growers for Agricultural Preservation (EGAP). Check out our Q&A on the blog today!
As part of the on-going efforts of the 2020 Climate Change Consortium, hosted in partnership by the Climate Science Alliance and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, we are excited to share a series of producer stories, called “From the Ground Up: Farmer Profiles,” highlighting our region’s producers and the important work they do for our communities.
Today's farmer profile is with Edward Grangetto of Grangetto Ranches Inc. Edward Grangetto, alongside his brother and sister, is a co-owner of Grangetto Ranches Inc., where his wife Karen Grangetto also works to help manage operations. Edward is also co-founder of the Escondido Growers for Agricultural Preservation (EGAP) and works as a Crop Consultant handling outside sales for Grangetto’s Farm and Garden Supply.
Climate Science Alliance (Alliance): Why do you farm?
Edward Grangetto (Grangetto): Farming provides a business and lifestyle that suits our abilities and connection to the land.
Alliance: Describe your farm.
Grangetto: Portions of our ranch date back to the 1950’s. My father bought the land in a piecemeal manner, adding portions which currently include over 80 acres. Karen Grangetto, my wife, handles the day to day ranch management for growing Avocados, Lemons and Wine Grapes. It is a family corporation which also includes my brother and sister. Our families live on the property, however, Karen and I manage operations. The ranch is both a business and a home for the owners.
Alliance: What do you love about your farm?
Grangetto: The ranch not only provides a wonderful place to live, it also provides a daily reminder that nature will always be in control. This partnership with the natural forces that shape everyone’s lives keeps us humble and optimistic that the future will always be better.
Alliance: Are you concerned about climate change? If so, what do you think climate change could mean for what you do?
Grangetto: Nature is unpretentious. If climate change is part of the program, then we must adapt. If the climate continues to warm, the water use will increase and the growing cycles will change. We will need more modification to the work life of our employees in order to cope with warmer working conditions. It may also affect our harvest schedules and maturity levels of our product.
Alliance: Do you use any practices on your farm to address the impacts of climate change?
Grangetto: I’m not certain the climate is changing in a bad way. No matter what is going on with our environmental conditions, farmers must anticipate and react accordingly. We use moisture sensors, soil and leaf analysis, CIMIS irrigation Network, etc. to stay on top of our irrigation and fertilization needs.
Alliance: What advice do you have for other/new farmers about farming in this region?
Grangetto: Do your homework. Farmers always need an edge (moderately priced land, reasonably priced water, favorable climate, available labor, etc.) that will provide a business model that thrives, not just survives.
To learn more about Escondido agriculture and EGAP’s projects and programs, visit growescondido.org
Stay tuned in the coming months as we share these stories and for more information, visit:
2020 Climate Change Consortium for Specialty Crops Southern California - for additional project information and to access all materials, resources, and surveys.
From the Ground-Up: Farmer Profiles - to hear stories from other producers
Climate Science Alliance - to learn more about our work and other projects
