By Stella Singer—
From managing fields and orchards, to running businesses and spearheading sustainable practices; women are essential in every aspect of our food system. To celebrate International Women’s Day, which was on March 8, we are highlighting the incredible women-led farms and businesses that can be found at your local farmers’ market. Women make up 36% of all agricultural producers in the U.S. and tend to operate smaller farms with more specialized production. We spoke with some of the wonderful hardworking women in our markets about their origin stories, inspirations, and communities.
Jamila Hubbard, the owner and farmer of Shindig Home and Garden, started her business out of a spare room in Oakland with the goal of supporting her community by growing healthy local food. One of Hubbard’s favorite parts of selling at the farmers’ market is “being a part of people’s weekly lives, the regulars who show up and are excited to see me and excited to buy microgreens.” She says, “When people come to the farmers’ market, they’re here to support small businesses and local farmers. They’re excited to learn new things. They’re really encouraging and supportive!”
Shindig sells their microgreens still growing, so you can snip and eat them when you’re ready, ensuring maximum nutrients, flavor, and freshness. Hubbard’s advice for aspiring women business owners? “Keep at it. And it really does take a while to grow. I’m really trying to find more community within other women business owners because I find that a lot of women business owners want to support each other.”
Chestnut Street Granola is a family-owned small business based in Oakland that makes and sells artisan granola. Rachel Russell spearheads the business along with her husband Tim Lohrentz, with help from their children and extended family. It really is a family effort! They started by sharing their granola with friends and family, who loved it and pushed them to start selling at the farmers’ market.
Russelll says, “What sets us apart from store bought is that our granola is fresh made each week, our flavors are tailored toward what our customers ask for, and based on what’s in season.” For women looking to jump into their own small business, she emphasizes to “have faith in yourself and your community to try something different. Don’t sell yourself short. There are enough noes in the world, so just go ahead and say yes and do it!”
Volcano Kimchi handcrafts small-batch kimchi using locally sourced organic ingredients that they sell at farmers’ markets and independent grocery stores. Aruna Lee, founder of Volcano Kimchi, grew up in a Buddhist monastery making and eating vegan kimchi. Now she brings those memories and traditions to her business, “Growing up in the temple, we made everything vegan and locally sourced, so my mission is to make vegan kimchi delicious.” Lee’s advice for women starting their own small businesses or selling at the farmers’ market is: “When you have an idea, just do it. That’s my advice!”
Cipponeri Family Farms comes from a history of farming, and Dena and her husband Sebastian have been growing stone fruit themselves since 1992. They pride themselves in taking care of the land and growing some of the finest produce in the area. Dena is always “excited to see people eating a piece of fruit ripened on the tree” and she sees “fruit as nature’s candy.” She believes that, to be a successful woman in business, “Passion and love have to be there first. Without passion, you can’t do it.”
Wise Goat Organics is a market superstar, selling a variety of kimchi, kraut, kvass, and tonics. Mary Risavi, the founder of Wise Goat, started her journey selling produce for farms at the farmers’ market. After receiving training in nutrition and Chinese medicine, she began applying her learning to crafting gut-healthy foods. Her greatest pride is the people she works with and customers at the market, “They’re all like family,” Risavi says. “I never want to put myself in a box. Women are just as capable of running a successful business as anyone else. Remember to be confident and take up space!”
We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the woman-led farms and businesses that make up the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association farmers’ markets. All of this is made possible by their hard work and dedication to fresh local food.
Although the Castro Farmers’ Market is closed for the season until April, check out the Divisadero Farmers’ Market, which runs at Fell Street and Baker Street on Sundays, 9 am to 1 pm, the Fillmore Farmers’ Market, at O’Farrell and Fillmore Street on Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm, or the Inner Sunset Farmers’ Market off Irivng and 8th Street on Sundays, 9 am to 1 pm. Stop by the farmers’ market and support your local woman-owned business or farm! Visit our producer page to learn more about the hardworking farmers and artisans in our markets.
Stella Singer is a recent UC Berkeley graduate who writes and designs for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association. With a background in environmental journalism and science, she brings a keen interest in food systems and sustainability to her work.
Farmers’ Market Finds
Published on March 12, 2026
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