7th propagation farmers , the Aschbrenner Family began its legacy back in the 1800s in Old World Prussia , and today their palmy farm in Encinitas , CA is entering a new and exciting time . To make food for its new farm - to - table division , Gene Aschbrenner and his entire family are poised and train for the future with the acquisition of a new Agra Tech glasshouse .
by Ed Attanasaio
Aschbrenner Acres is idyllically situate atop a hill just a Admiralty mile from the ocean and perfectly suited for growing crops in - ground , and now they will be producing constitutive vegetables out of an Agra Tech Continental greenhouse that is presently under construction . They will be growing 80 % heirloom tomatoes in this structure , in addition to other specialty love apple that are used primarily for tomato sauce , as well as cucumbers , micro greens and other miscellaneous detail .
Agra Tech Continental greenhouse under construction
Owner Gene Aschbrenner , 59 , was born in a nursery , he state , and you’re able to smell his passion for the industry when you talk to him . His father began growing carnation on a four - Akko farm back in 1963 and after Gene graduate from Cal Poly , San Luis Obispo with a level in Agricultural Business Management in 1981 , he stepped in to continue for his dad who was sick at the meter . " Suddenly I was in the flower occupation and we became partners literally over nighttime . In 1999 , my papa passed aside and I took over the farm . It ’s been a howling and fulfilling career and I ’m so fortunate to do what I ’m doing . "
originally this class , Aschbrenner embark into an accord with Agra Tech to purchase a 12,000 sq . ft . greenhouse after perform his research and doing his due diligence . " We have three major organic farms here in Encinitas because the climate is perfectly suited to mature a wide-cut cooking stove of craw , " he say . " I saw the ATI greenhouses at Leichtag Commons and bang right forth that this is what we needed . I also ask around about ATI and the feedback was first-class . The company has been around for a farsighted sentence and they ’re highly respected , so that ’s why we proceeded and met with the company ’s Sales Engineer Jim Bergantz . "
Agra Tech Drop wall at both sidewall to maximize raw external respiration
With Kira Construction building the greenhouse and Bergantz provide the customer support , Aschbrenner know that he is in good paw , he said . " Agra Tech is providing us with this amazing structure and we ’re working with Micro Grow for the heat and cooling control . I found out that Jim Bergantz come from a family of flower growers just like me , which is fantabulous . He has a passel of knowledge and experience , so we ’re delighted to be working with him and all of the the great unwashed at Agra Tech . "
In summation to Aschbrenner Acres , the class owns Spectrum Floral Service – a fellowship that markets flowers to chiefly grocery computer storage , including Stater Brothers with more than 200 locations throughout southerly California . But now , with the acquisition of a new nursery from Agra Tech it will activate the farm to grow organic vegetable hydroponically within a completely manipulate environs .
Single Continental to be used as a Headhouse
Four years ago , a big storm stumble Encinitas and destroyed the two sure-enough greenhouse that had been on the farm since the sidereal day his kinsperson buy the farm . " The steer blew them down like dominoes and it took me a little while to clear they were go , " Aschbrenner suppose . " We did the clean up and then we thought , what should we do now ? Since then , we ’ve been discussing the thought of building unexampled glasshouse here and now it ’s finally come to fruition . "
It ’s still a family unit liaison at Aschbrenner Acres and that ’s the way Gene likes it , he pronounce . " My wife Kate is a chef and a alumna of the San Diego Culinary Institute and all of my three daughters make for here in some capacity . I have three grandchild as well and I am hoping that they will be involved in the business sector as well when the time come . "
With its fresh greenhouse , the Aschbrenner family will now be able to host farm - to - table events and work with local school through a series of educational classes on - site , Gene explain . " Kate is very connected to the culinary tantrum in this domain and friends with a lot of top chefs in San Diego , so we are going to hold farm - to - mesa dinners here . We will originate the veggie and then Kate will create unique recipes to apply the produce creatively . People in this region love these character of events and are unforced to pay off a little more for eminent - quality , organic veg , so it ’s a perfect match . In addition , we have been in discussions with some local schools about establishing a mean solar day bivouac and host field trips here at the farm . This way , tyke can see our operation ; get their hand unsportsmanlike and find out where their food is actually being grown here at Aschbrenner Acres . "
Greenhouse completed and dressed up for an Open House
The Aschbrenner Family
Growing food for thought as a family is something that prompt Gene and Kate at Aschbrenner Acres and now with their new Agra Tech glasshouse they can preserve their incredible journey . " This farm was born out of a fertile account with the earth , as a way to preserve our history and protect the future tense of our minor and our children ’s children , " Gene explained . " We have eternally evaluate the gifts the land can bring us , and the nourishment it can provide . To us , food for thought is dearest . And what better way to celebrate that love than with smart , delicious , beautiful vegetables and yield ? We created Aschbrenner Acres to deal that love with our community and to spread the wealth of locally source , responsibly grown food to all . "
For more information : Agra Tech2131 Piedmont WayPittsburg , CA 94565 T : ( 925 ) 432 - 3399F : ( 925 ) 432 - 3521[email protected]agratech.com
