Agriculture at the Heart of Chico
Agriculture defines the landscape and economy of Chico. Butte County is one of the leading producers of rice, almonds, and walnuts in California, and the fertile soils of the northern Sacramento Valley support a remarkable variety of crops. From orchards blooming white each February to flooded rice fields that provide habitat for migrating birds, farming shapes the identity of the region.
Chico's farming community includes multi-generation family farms, organic pioneers, cooperatives, and educational institutions. Many local farms are leaders in sustainability, soil health, and wildlife-friendly practices. These farms supply local markets, restaurants, and grocery stores, as well as national and international customers.
How We Selected These Farming Companies
We evaluated farming companies and organizations based on product quality, sustainability practices, community involvement, innovation, and contribution to the regional agricultural economy.
The Top 10 Farming Companies in Chico
1. Lundberg Family Farms
Lundberg Family Farms, based in Richvale just south of Chico, is a pioneer in organic rice farming. The family has grown rice in the region for generations and is known for its commitment to soil health, sustainability, and regenerative practices. Its rice and rice products are sold nationwide.
2. Chaffin Family Orchards
Chaffin Family Orchards, located near Oroville, is a multi-generation farm practicing regenerative agriculture. It produces fruit, olive oil, grass-fed beef, and pastured poultry, integrating livestock with orchards to improve soil health.
3. Bertagna Orchards
Bertagna Orchards is a family-owned farm in Chico known for its farm stand, seasonal produce, and community events. It grows walnuts, almonds, and a variety of fruits and vegetables, and its pumpkin patch is a popular local tradition.
4. Llano Seco Ranch
Llano Seco Ranch, located near Chico, is a historic ranch known for sustainably raised pork, organic grains, and beans. A significant portion of the ranch is protected as wildlife habitat, reflecting a strong commitment to conservation.
5. Massa Organics
Massa Organics, based in Hamilton City, grows organic brown rice and almonds. The family-run farm emphasizes sustainable practices and direct relationships with customers through farmers markets and online sales.
6. University Farm at Chico State
The University Farm at Chico State is a working farm that supports education and research in agriculture. It includes orchards, field crops, livestock, and an organic dairy, providing hands-on learning for students and research benefiting local growers.
7. Butte County Rice Growers Association
The Butte County Rice Growers Association, known as BUCRA, is a cooperative that helps rice growers process, store, and market their crops. It plays an important role in supporting the region's rice industry.
8. Blue Diamond Growers
Blue Diamond Growers is a cooperative of California almond growers, including many in Butte County. It processes and markets almonds worldwide, helping local growers access global markets.
9. GRUB Cooperative
GRUB Cooperative is a community-focused farm and education organization in Chico. It promotes sustainable agriculture, community-supported agriculture programs, and local food access.
10. Chico Nut Company
Chico Nut Company processes and markets almonds and walnuts grown in the region. Its operations help local growers bring high-quality nuts to market efficiently.
Trends in Chico Agriculture
Sustainability and regenerative agriculture are increasingly important. Many Chico-area farms use cover crops, reduced tillage, integrated pest management, and wildlife-friendly practices. Rice growers participate in programs that flood fields in winter to provide habitat for migrating waterfowl and even support juvenile salmon.
Water management remains a major concern, with growers adopting efficient irrigation technologies and groundwater sustainability practices. Technology is also transforming agriculture through drones, soil sensors, and data analytics. Direct-to-consumer sales and agritourism, such as farm stands and pumpkin patches, strengthen connections between farms and the community.
Tips for Supporting Local Farms
Shop at farmers markets and farm stands to buy fresh, seasonal produce directly from growers. Join community-supported agriculture programs to receive regular deliveries of local food. Look for locally grown products in grocery stores and restaurants. Visiting farms and participating in events helps build appreciation for local agriculture.
Businesses can participate too. Restaurants, caterers, and institutional kitchens in Chico can build relationships with nearby farms for direct sourcing, which often means fresher ingredients and compelling stories for menus. Even small commitments, such as featuring local rice or seasonal fruit, help keep agricultural dollars circulating within Butte County.
Farming and Wildlife Together
One of the most distinctive features of Chico-area agriculture is how closely it works with nature. Winter-flooded rice fields host enormous flocks of ducks, geese, and shorebirds traveling the Pacific Flyway, and many farms maintain hedgerows and riparian buffers that shelter pollinators and beneficial insects. These practices show that productive farming and healthy ecosystems can coexist, and they give local farms a compelling story that resonates with environmentally aware customers across the country.
Final Thoughts
Chico's farming companies represent a rich agricultural heritage and a commitment to sustainability and innovation. These ten farms and organizations produce exceptional food, support the regional economy, and help preserve the landscapes that make the northern Sacramento Valley special.