QUEEN OF THE COAST AVOCADOS
Family-owned Vista Punta Gorda grows organic avocados and lemons on their farm in Ventura, CA overlooking the famous Rincon Point, aka "The Queen of the Coast" and the Pacific Ocean. This is where Andy and Kathy Sheaffer have been growing avocados for over 18 vears. Andy Sheaffer was born and raised in Carpinteria, California. He is a mechanically inclined problem-solver who began his career in steep hillside stabilization. In 2008, a shift of interest led him and his wife Kathy to purchase a steep, 700-acre avocado and lemon farm near his hometown. Andy began reading any book he could get his hands on, went to conferences, took a number of classes and with all of this new knowledge, he and his wife Kathy started to transition the farm to regenerative/organic around 2011.
Their farming philosophy centers on regenerative, organic practices, that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability over quick fixes. Farmer Andy Sheaffer often says “you can’t farm organically by replacement”. Regenerative practices are healthier for the soil, healthier for the plants, healthier for the consumer, and healthier for the environment.
Their three children have spent years working on the ranch, contributing alongside their parents as the farm has grown. Each year has brought different challenges, but throughout the whole process they have remained steadfast in their belief that regenerative farming is the way to solve many of the health and environmental problems we are facing.
Vista Punta Gorda Queen of the Coast premium California organic avocados are regeneratively grown for exceptional flavor and consistency that keeps customers coming back.
FARMING WITH A PURPOSE
Working with Nature: Beneficial insects, owl boxes and on-site worm castings support a naturally balanced, living soil system guided by the land itself.
Enhancing Soil Health and Carbon Sequestration: Through regenerative practices—including tea compost applied through irrigation, cover crops, and a commitment to eliminating synthetic inputs—they cultivate living, carbon-rich soil that nourishes long-term fertility and resilient trees. By caring for the land today, they help ensure its resilience for generations to come.
Efficient Practices: Using micro sprinklers, targeted inputs, drone technology, and solar power, they optimize resources and reduce their environmental impact.
SEASONALITY
Vista Punta Gorda starts harvesting historically in March, but really gets rolling in April and May. They are located on the central coast where the climate is mild with little diurnal temperature variation (the difference between the daily high temperature in the afternoon and the low temperature around dawn.) The fruit doesn’t get stressed out and can hang on the trees for a longer time, extending the season and developing nutrient density-high organic matter much faster for an exceptional tasting piece of fruit.
Andy says “Every farmer should have the goal of having the highest quality and best produce they can.” We can look forward to Queen of the Coast avocados at least another 4-5 weeks through the end of September and into October.
Late crop avocados have high oil content and turn a duller green with hints of mustard yellow. Eat late season avocados firm and enjoy a quality piece of California fruit with wonderful texture and flavor! Take this opportunity for the end user to have the best tasting avocado.
