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PVID Customer Profiles

McFadden Farm

Guinness McFadden talks about his diversified organic farm in Potter Valley, where he produces grapes, herbs, wild rice, beef, and bay leaf wreaths, along with hydroelectric and solar power.

McFadden Farm website

Born and raised in New York City, Guinness McFadden came to this peaceful place in 1970. After Notre Dame, ten years as a Naval officer, and a stint at Stanford Business School, he decided against a future in pin-striped suits and city offices to seek out a new living in the country. He found that and more. The McFadden family settled in to a life of hard work and enviable happiness on this special piece of ground.

As he learned the ropes of farming, Guinness became convinced that he didn't need, or want, the chemical pesticides and herbicides so common in modern agriculture. He pursued more natural farming methods, joined the California Certified Organic Farmers, and kept his small farm in tune with nature, a safe place for the family and its crops.