The Original Farm Trails & Gravenstein Apple Thrive Together

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Farm Trails was founded in the 1970’s to connect the public to local farmers, ranchers, producers and purveyors in Sonoma County CA and is still aligned with the same mission and going strong in 2025. 

Over five decades ago, a group of forward-thinking farmers blazed trails in Sonoma County, creating a map & guide for local agriculture, inviting the public to meet their farmers and learn more about the origins of their food. These pioneers also produced the Gravenstein Apple Fair to celebrate the heirloom apple and Sonoma County’s rural traditions. This was back in 1973, before the advent of Farmers’ Markets, CSAs, and campaigns to shop locally. Over the years, their  “North Star” has remained the same: Farms Forever in Sonoma County!

Carmen Snyder is the Executive Director of Farm Trails.  She made her way from the Carolinas to California many years ago and consistently reflects on the mission of Farm Trails. A recent trip overseas required her to be very creative in trying to identify ‘farm to table’ cuisine.  Upon her return she realized that what Farm Trails offers is a way to access the best of the food and food events of Sonoma County - something that is not as easily identified when traveling in different areas of the US and abroad.  

Join Carmen and I as we explore the impact of Farm Trails which I consider a significant marketing opportunity for Sonoma County farmers.  Also, learn about how the Gravenstein Apple has helped Farm Trails thrive and how Farm Trails has kept the Gravenstein at the forefront of the Sonoma County community. 

Farm Trails

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