Farmer Friends: Ayala Farms

The First Piece in a Series Profiling Vendors at Pacific Palisades Farmers Market

By AVERY ZEMLAK | Contributing Writer

For generations, farmers markets have connected people through produce and other commodities. Farmers markets are a staple in some major cities, as well as a frequent tourist attraction, especially here in Los Angeles.

Palisadians are lucky to have a market right in the neighborhood, with vendors coming from various cities and towns across California to share their seasonal crops or niche foods. In addition to their products, vendors share their stories and form relationships with customers.

As a busy high school junior, waking up early on the weekend is not ideal, but each Sunday I make an exception just so I can visit Pacific Palisades Farmers Market to shop at some of my favorite booths.

From picking up weekly fruit and vegetable staples to getting inspired by local in-season produce and bringing warm tamales back home to my family for breakfast, attending the farmers market is something I—and many other Palisadians—enjoy.

Since this is my Sunday ritual, I thought it would be a good idea to get to know my “farmer friends” that temporarily reside on Swarthmore and Antioch each week.

Recently, I spoke with Diego Ayala of Ayala Farms, who is the son and nephew to the business owners, Anna, Mercedes and Tania Ayala. This booth is located on the Swarthmore end of the market, just across from Paliskates.

Ayala reported that though his personal favorite is blueberries, the farm’s most popular crop is their strawberries. However, shoppers can find various fruits and vegetables, ranging from rainbow chard to carrots and onions, and much more.

The family-run and -operated farm is based in Oxnard. Beginning with just five acres of land, Ayala reported its currently at 28 acres.

Ayala said his family makes it a point to use “no commercial pesticides but we do use some organic applications only when necessary.” They pride themselves on how well they try to take care of their soil.

They find it important to keep their soil healthy and in as good of condition as possible. Though their process of not using heavy pesticides is more expensive, which can turn other farmers away from the idea, Ayala said that taking good care of the soil is worth the price and provides a successful turnout of crops.

“Being at the farmers market and getting to meet new people each week,” was Ayala’s answer when asked what his favorite part of the job is.

While customers are only able to purchase products from the market and not directly from the farm, Ayala can be seen at other farmers markets throughout the week, including Sherman Oaks on Tuesdays, Watts on Wednesdays, Central LA on Thursdays, Crenshaw on Saturdays, and, of course, Sundays in the Palisades.

After consistently visiting the market, I have learned that sometimes the relationships we can build with vendors, such as Ayala, can be overlooked, but it is so important to learn more about where our food is coming from and the story behind its origin.

Whether looking for the freshest berries, doing a weekly produce shop or just have a craving for a warm chocolate crepe to eat after a morning of shopping, I highly encourage everyone to trade sleeping in for a morning at the Sunday farmers market.