It is with a heavy heart that we share news of the passing of one of our dearest growers, Betty Van Dyke, in Gilroy, at the age of 89.
Betty was a 5th generation California farmer, pioneering organic cherry, Blenheim apricot, and persimmon production when they said it couldn’t be done. VV represented the family farm, Van Dyke Ranch, since the early 80s.
She was active in CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) and, along with her three farming sons, was a recipient of the Sustie Award for Sustainable Agriculture.
A maverick in every sense, Betty was one of the first female competitive surfing champions in the world.
Loved by her community, Betty was a pillar of the Santa Cruz Farmers Market, attending herself every week until just a few years ago. She will be dearly missed.
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