Blue Heron Farm was founded by John and Gretchen Ceteras in 1975. The 20-acre Capay Valley farm was originally an almond orchard, but the Ceteras transitioned to growing oranges, walnuts, figs, and tomatoes soon after they settled in.  Committed to farming sustainably, John & Gretchen converted to organic, became certified in 1984, and never looked back! Although John passed away in 2018, Gretchen and her trusted farm manager, Orlando Garcia, continued to produce their delicious Washington Navel oranges and summer crops with the help of Gretchen’s son, Noah on the weekends. Blue Heron’s famous winter Navel oranges remain unsurpassed for flavor and quality!

Gretchen also grows Lagenaria, hard-shelled gourds, which she artistically decorates using wood burning techniques. These ‘Dream Gourds’ have been featured in several books and are the customized awards given to each “Sustie” winner at the Ecological Farming Conference each year for outstanding contributions to sustainable agriculture.

Fun Fact: VV received the Sustie award and dream gourd in 1992!

In late 2023, Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, a long-time supporter of Blue Heron Farm, took over ownership of the farm. Orlando continues to manage the orchards. Citrus fans everywhere are delighted the farm’s orange legacy will live on! VV is proud to partner with Sacramento Natural Foods Coop to sell and distribute Blue Heron’s highly coveted Washington Navels.

Note: Do not confuse this Capay Valley citrus grower with another small farm with the same name. Blue Heron Farm near Santa Cruz grows lettuce and brassica crops.