High Ground Organics

High Ground Organics is a family farm located in Watsonville, CA.

Farmer Stephen Pedersen got his first introduction to farming working for his aunt and uncle Jean and Jerry Thomas in Aptos. He leased his first 3 acres in 1997 to grow mixed vegetables for a small CSA, and grew the farm to 40 acres in 2016. Since 2000, Steve and wife Jeanne have lived on a unique property along Harkins Slough in Watsonville, that includes both conservation and agricultural easements. 

For 23 years, High Ground Organics grew high quality lettuces, cauliflower, turnips, radishes, beets, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, kale, chard, collards, mizuna, mei quin choi, herbs, radishes, winter and summer squash, onions, spinach, celery, fennel, and more. 

Stephen and Jeanne were recognized for their efforts at habitat restoration and environmental approach to farming. In 2009 they were awarded the AWQA Stewardship Award, for exceptional agricultural water quality stewardship and community leadership. In 2012 and 2013 they were named as finalists for the Leopold Conservation Award for “extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation on the land of exemplary private landowners.”

At this time, Stephen is changing his focus to restoring native habitat on a large part of the property and producing native grass seeds for local habitat restoration projects. We are no longer selling produce. Thank you for your support over the years!