Farming and the Downey Food Supply
Downey is best known as a vibrant suburban city in southeast Los Angeles County, but its history is rooted in agriculture. In the late 1800s, the area was covered with orange groves, walnut orchards, and dairy farms. While those fields have long since given way to neighborhoods, Downey residents still depend on California's farming industry every day. The fruits and vegetables sold at local supermarkets, served in restaurants along Firestone Boulevard, and featured at community farmers markets come from farming companies across the state.
California is the largest agricultural producer in the nation, and many of its leading farming companies have deep connections to the Los Angeles market. Here are the ten farming companies that play the biggest role in keeping Downey well fed.
The Top 10 Farming Companies Serving Downey
1. The Wonderful Company
Headquartered in Los Angeles, The Wonderful Company is one of the largest agricultural businesses in the country. Its brands include pistachios, almonds, mandarins, and pomegranates grown in California's Central Valley. Downey shoppers see its products in nearly every grocery store, and the company is known for significant investments in water efficiency and community programs.
2. Dole
Dole is a global name in fresh produce with a long Southern California history. It supplies bananas, pineapples, salads, and berries to retailers across the Los Angeles area. Its packaged salads and fresh-cut produce are popular with busy Downey families who want convenient healthy options.
3. Driscoll's
Driscoll's is the world's leading berry brand, working with independent growers in California and beyond. Its strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are bred for flavor and quality. Thanks to growers along the California coast, Downey enjoys fresh berries for much of the year.
4. Grimmway Farms
Based in the Bakersfield area, Grimmway Farms is one of the largest carrot growers in the world and a major producer of organic vegetables under the Cal-Organic brand. Its proximity to Los Angeles means fresh carrots and organic produce reach Downey stores quickly.
5. Taylor Farms
Taylor Farms is a leader in fresh-cut vegetables, salad kits, and ready-to-eat meals. It supplies grocery stores and food service operators throughout Southern California. Many Downey restaurants and school cafeterias rely on Taylor Farms for consistent, food-safe produce.
6. Mission Produce
Based in Oxnard, Mission Produce is one of the world's largest avocado distributors. Given the popularity of guacamole and avocado dishes in Downey's Mexican and Latin American restaurants, Mission Produce plays a key role in the local food scene. Its ripening centers ensure avocados arrive ready to eat.
7. Calavo Growers
Calavo Growers began as a cooperative of California avocado farmers and now offers avocados, guacamole, and fresh prepared foods. It is a trusted supplier for Southern California grocers and food service companies and has a long legacy in the regional avocado industry.
8. Sun World
Sun World is known for developing innovative grape, stone fruit, and citrus varieties. Its breeding programs produce flavorful fruit that performs well in California's climate. Downey shoppers benefit from its seedless grape varieties and seasonal stone fruits.
9. Underwood Family Farms
Located in Ventura County, Underwood Family Farms is a beloved family operation that grows a wide range of vegetables and fruits. It also offers pick-your-own experiences and seasonal festivals that attract families from across Los Angeles County, including Downey.
10. Tanaka Farms
Tanaka Farms in Irvine is a multi-generation family farm offering produce, community supported agriculture boxes, and educational tours. Downey families often visit for strawberry picking and pumpkin patches, making it an important link between suburban residents and local agriculture.
Trends in California Farming
Water management is the defining challenge for California agriculture. Leading farming companies are investing in drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors, and drought-resistant crop varieties. Precision agriculture tools such as drones and satellite imaging help growers apply water and nutrients exactly where needed.
Organic and regenerative farming are also growing rapidly. Consumers in Downey increasingly look for organic labels and want to know how their food is grown. Urban agriculture, including community gardens and hydroponic projects, is gaining popularity in Los Angeles County as well, helping residents connect with fresh food close to home.
Supporting Local Agriculture in Downey
Downey residents can support farming by shopping at farmers markets, joining community supported agriculture programs, and choosing California-grown products at the grocery store. Visiting family farms for seasonal events is a fun way to teach children where food comes from and to support small growers.
Farm-to-Table Connections in Downey
Downey's restaurant scene increasingly highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients. Local chefs feature California avocados, citrus, and heirloom tomatoes on menus, and diners appreciate knowing their meals were made with regional produce. Grocery stores in the city often promote California-grown items with seasonal displays, especially during summer stone fruit season and the winter citrus harvest.
Schools have also embraced farm-to-school programs that bring fresh fruits and vegetables into cafeterias and teach students about nutrition. These efforts strengthen the relationship between Downey's suburban community and the farmers who make California one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world.
Final Thoughts
Even without farms inside city limits, Downey is closely tied to California's agricultural success. From global leaders like The Wonderful Company and Driscoll's to family operations like Underwood Family Farms and Tanaka Farms, these farming companies bring fresh, nutritious food to Downey tables every day.