Tour the San Martin facility during its open house May 4

Workers at Frantoio Grove harvest olives to make the organic olive oils. The public can learn about the process at a May 4 open house.
Photo courtesy Patrick Martin

By Mike Monroe

Mike Monroe

As springtime comes to the Valley of Heart’s Delight, Frantoio Grove invites the South Valley public to explore their blossoming olive orchard and experience the wonders of regenerative organic farming.

It’s really cool to open a computer search for Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) olive oil to discover our local olive grower in San Martin has achieved that designation. There are several certification systems in place for food producers to highlight their status as farming using organic or biodynamic protocols. Regenerative Organic Certified means a spectrum of practices have been adopted for the purpose of growing healthy food by improving the health of the soil. The ROC motto is “Farm Like The World Depends On It.”

Years ago, before COVID, I was fortunate to enjoy a tour of the Martin family’s olive orchard and the milling operation.

Jeff and Pam Martin planted their first olive trees in 2005 while their son, Patrick, was still in school. Nearly 20 years later, Patrick is now leading the family business, continuing their history of sustainable farming innovations on their 30-acre San Martin property.

Unlike many of their large scale competitors, the Martins opted to distinguish their olive oils by planting Tuscan olive cultivars and by implementing organic farming methods. The Frantoio variety of olive was selected because it yielded a more interesting, more pungent and peppery olive oil. The larger producers typically prefer a more mellow or buttery flavor for their oils.

Workers at Frantoio Grove harvest olives to make the organic olive oils. The public can learn about the process at a May 4 open house. Photo courtesy Patrick Martin

Frantoio Grove made the transition to the USDA Organic certification in 2017, followed by an effort, starting in 2020, to become Regenerative Organic Certified. Upon joining the family business, Patrick Martin studied the harvest results from the first years of production and was concerned about the erratic fluctuations of annual yields.

Factors such as drought or pollination success were issues, but he concluded the underlying challenge was the replenishment of soil fertility. Previous farming operations had probably employed excessive chemical treatments of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Heavy soil tilling also drained the carbon reserves and ruined soil structures.

In an effort to build soil health and water retention, Patrick joined a group of agriculturists who subscribe to regenerative farming systems. These include composting, cover crops, reduced soil tilling, and minimal chemical interventions.

The Martin family took one additional step in 2020 by enrolling their ranch in an agricultural land conservation program.

The 30-acre olive orchard and another 67 undeveloped acres are fully protected from conversion to housing or commercial purposes through an easement held by the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. The Frantoio Grove property is now zoned for agricultural purposes in perpetuity.

The OSA recognized a portion of the ranch sits within the West Little Llagas Creek floodplain. The conserved farmland will remain a source of flood protection, groundwater recharge, and provide for a valuable biodiversity habitat.

The open house format is meant to allow for a visit that is more leisurely, without a formal large group introduction in an effort to minimize parking challenges.

So plan to arrive anytime from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and learn more about sustainable agriculture and enjoy some delicious olive oil tastings. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as walking around the facility will be on healthy dirt.

Mike Monroe is a local history buff with a focus on South Valley landscape. He and his family have lived in Gilroy since 1986.