Jurupa Valley's Agricultural Heritage
Long before warehouses lined the freeways, Jurupa Valley was farm and ranch country. The historic Jensen-Alvarado Ranch in Rubidoux shows how early settlers grew grapes, citrus and other crops in the fertile land along the Santa Ana River. Riverside County became famous for navel oranges, and dairies and poultry farms once dotted the Mira Loma and Glen Avon areas.
Today Jurupa Valley keeps much of its rural character, with horse properties, small farms and community gardens. Residents and local businesses buy from farming companies that grow produce, eggs, dairy and specialty crops across Southern California. Here are ten of the best farming companies connected to the region.
The Top 10 Farming Companies Serving Jurupa Valley
1. Sunkist Growers
Sunkist Growers is a citrus cooperative owned by family farmers in California and Arizona. Its history is closely tied to Riverside County's citrus heritage. Sunkist oranges, lemons and grapefruit remain a symbol of Southern California agriculture.
2. Chino Valley Ranchers
Chino Valley Ranchers is a family-owned egg producer with roots in the nearby Chino Valley. It is known for organic, free-range and pasture-raised eggs. Its local heritage and commitment to animal welfare make it a favorite among Inland Empire shoppers.
3. Driscoll's
Driscoll's is the world's leading berry company, growing strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries through a network of independent farmers. Its California-grown berries are found in grocery stores throughout the Inland Empire.
4. Mission Produce
Mission Produce is a Southern California-based leader in avocados, sourcing from California and around the world. Its ripening and distribution centers keep avocados available year-round for retailers and restaurants.
5. Limoneira
Limoneira is a historic Southern California agribusiness specializing in lemons, avocados and other crops. It focuses on sustainable farming practices and water stewardship, which matters a great deal in drought-prone California.
6. Tanaka Farms
Tanaka Farms is a family farm in Irvine known for its produce stand, community supported agriculture program and educational farm tours. It connects Southern California families with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
7. Underwood Family Farms
Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark is a popular family farm offering u-pick produce, a farm market and seasonal events. It shows how Southern California farms are combining agriculture with agritourism and community education.
8. Grimmway Farms
Grimmway Farms is one of the largest carrot growers in the world and a leader in organic produce through its Cal-Organic brand. Its California-grown vegetables reach Inland Empire grocery stores every day.
9. The Wonderful Company
The Wonderful Company grows pistachios, almonds, citrus and pomegranates in California. Its brands include Wonderful Pistachios, Halos mandarins and POM Wonderful. The company is known for large-scale, technology-driven farming and community investment.
10. Bolthouse Farms
Bolthouse Farms is a California-based producer of carrots, juices and dressings. It is known for innovations such as baby carrots and for its plant-based products sold widely in grocery stores.
How to Support Local Farming
Residents can support agriculture by shopping at farmers markets, joining community supported agriculture programs and choosing California-grown products at the grocery store. Local restaurants and schools can partner with regional farms for fresher ingredients. Visiting historic sites like the Jensen-Alvarado Ranch also helps preserve agricultural heritage.
Farming Industry Trends
Water efficiency is the top priority for California agriculture, driving the use of drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors and drought-tolerant crops. Organic and regenerative farming continue to grow. Technology such as drones, satellite imagery and data analytics is helping farmers improve yields. Agritourism and direct-to-consumer sales are giving small farms new income.
Small Farms and Community Agriculture in Jurupa Valley
Alongside the large farming companies that stock grocery stores, Jurupa Valley still has many small-scale growers. Backyard orchards, family vegetable plots, egg-laying flocks and horse properties are common in Pedley, Glen Avon and the Indian Hills area. Some residents sell produce, eggs and honey at roadside stands or community markets, keeping the city's agricultural spirit alive.
Local schools and community groups also promote agriculture through gardening programs and youth organizations such as 4-H and FFA, where students learn to raise animals and grow crops. These programs help the next generation understand where food comes from and build skills that support the regional farming economy.
Water and Sustainability Challenges
Water is the defining challenge for agriculture in Southern California. Farms and gardens in Jurupa Valley depend on local water districts and imported water, and drought conditions can raise costs and limit supply. Many growers are adopting efficient irrigation, mulching and soil health practices to conserve water. Choosing crops suited to the inland climate, such as citrus, avocados in sheltered spots, figs, pomegranates and drought-tolerant vegetables, also helps farms stay productive.
Final Thoughts
Jurupa Valley's agricultural roots run deep, and Southern California's farming companies continue to feed the region. These ten farming companies, from citrus cooperatives to family farms, bring fresh, high-quality food to Inland Empire tables. Supporting them helps keep California agriculture strong for future generations.