They used to grow lima beans at El Toro…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 27, 2010
CONTACT: JENN STARNES, 949-724-6574
Irvine City Council Approves Great Park’s 114-acre Agricultural Lease with Local Farmer to Develop Community Farm
Land will return to agricultural production
IRVINE – Irvine City Council members approved the Orange County Great Park Board’s recommendation of a 114-acre agricultural lease agreement with Orange County Produce, LLC to develop the Great Park Community Farm. The agreement marks the return of farming to the Great Park for the first time since James Irvine sold his lima bean fields to the U.S. Government 70 years ago to create the Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro. Orange County Produce is owned by the Kawamura family, Orange County’s leading farming family.
“The Kawamura family has been farming in Orange County for 60 years and Orange County Produce is a prominent farming operation in the county,” said Larry Agran, Chair of the Orange County Great Park Corporation and Irvine Mayor Pro Tem. “They have a long history of community and charity involvement, ideals that reflect the vision of the Great Park. We look forward to realizing the possibilities this working relationship will provide to the public.” Continue reading