CASTROVILLE, CA - At the heart of every good story is a value, a core belief, and, maybe, a desire for change. The best stories also share with you a way to live and breathe that is unique and enriching. These are the types of stories we tell about companies like Ocean Mist® Farms. Recently, the company hosted an influencer tour to bring some of today’s prominent voices into the heart of the operation—and, like a good story, the team shared its values, beliefs, and a deep desire for evolution.

“Our commitment to quality and excellence is rooted in our deep family heritage and dedication to sustainable practices across every aspect of our operations. We prioritize the highest standards in food safety, innovation, and environmental stewardship to ensure that every piece of produce we sell is not only fresh and nutritious but also responsibly cultivated,” Glen Alameda, Director of Supply Chain and Compliance, expressed when I asked him what he hoped the influencers and registered dieticians took away from the event. “Our mission is to inspire trust and confidence in consumers, knowing they can rely on Ocean Mist Farms for premium, innovative, and delicious vegetables that support a healthy lifestyle.”

Ocean Mist Farms thrives because of many different tenets, but each is dedicated to a different way of doing business.

“What sets Ocean Mist Farms apart is our unwavering commitment to our core values of quality, integrity, and innovation. As a 100-year-old and fourth-generation family business, we combine decades of experience with cutting-edge practices to ensure that our produce meets the highest standards of freshness and safety,” Glen reflected. “Our dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship reflects our responsibility to future generations, and our close relationships with our customers and community foster a deep sense of trust and loyalty. This unique blend of tradition, innovation, service, and community focus is what truly distinguishes Ocean Mist Farms.”

This idea of stewardship comes up often in our stories with the Ocean Mist team. It is their true north and an element of the culture that you can feel from the front door to the misty fields of earth where the artichokes are grown.

“At the root of all we do at Ocean Mist Farms is our profound respect for the land and the people who help us bring healthy vegetables to your table. Our commitment to stewardship encompasses sustainable farming practices that preserve the vitality of the soil and water we depend on. We have practiced ‘regenerative farming’ for generations, emphasizing soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity,” Glen told me, turning to his team. “Equally important are the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to grow and harvest our produce. By valuing both our natural resources and our hardworking team, we ensure that every vegetable we produce is not only nutritious and fresh but also a testament to our values of quality and integrity.”

It’s easy to get caught up in this beautiful vision, but, luckily for the consumer, it is also a reality.

When I first met Glen, we talked about his experiences as a new father, what it meant to him, and how it has changed his perception of the work. When we both returned back to our offices, mine at home and his in the field, I asked him: As a father, a consumer, and a trade member, what was he hoping would come with this next wave of food messaging provided by influencers like those on the tour?

“As a new father, my perception of food has become even more personal and impactful. I am deeply invested in ensuring that the food my family consumes is safe, nutritious, and sustainably produced. I hope that the next wave of food messaging by influencers emphasizes the importance of transparency, quality, and the origins of our food. I want to see a stronger connection between consumers and the sources of their food, highlighting the dedication and care that goes into producing healthy, fresh vegetables,” Glen said, tying the story together the way I knew he would. “This messaging should inspire trust and empower families to make informed choices that support their health and well-being.”

Where will the Ocean Mist Farms’ vision take its team next? There is much to be done, and good stewardship is already leading the way.