Like many farm families, the Johnstons think in long timelines, Johnston-Green explained. The decisions they make today are often about ensuring the land remains productive for decades to come. “We want the option to still be here,” she said. “If my daughter wants to farm someday, we want that opportunity to exist.” Part of that legacy already lives on in the farm’s citrus brand. During the holidays, Johnston Farms ships gift boxes of Satsuma mandarins under the Blue Jay label, and customers often share memories tied to the fruit. “We’ll have people come in and say, ‘I grew up eating these every Christmas.’ Now they’re buying them for their own families,” Johnston-Green said. These moments reinforce the deep connection between farmers and the communities they feed, she explained. “It’s really special to see that generational recognition. I’d love for that to continue—to have people who grew up with our fruit now sharing it with their kids.” Farming in California is not without challenges. Water availability, regulations and shifting markets all add layers of complexity to an already demanding profession. But Johnston- Green remains optimistic. “If you refuse to be optimistic, farming’s not for you. After all, farming has always been about persistence. You don’t get into this because it’s easy. You do it because you love it,” she said. And nearly 80 years after J.C. Johnston took his first leap of faith on a potato crop, that passion is still driving Johnston Farms forward.
49 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com April – June 2026
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