In March, Stone Brewing ceased operation of Stone Farms, a 19-acre property formerly known as La Milpa Organica before the county’s largest brewing company took it over in 2011. When under Stone’s control, produce and other edibles from the farm equated to 26% of the ingredients used at the company’s various hospitality venues, which led many to wonder if there would be any purchaser-purveyor connection between Stone and the farm moving forward.
Today, Stone announced that it will continue to source produce from the Escondido operation for use at Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens – Escondido, Stone Brewing Tap Room and Stone Brewing at Terminal 2 at San Diego International Airport. But who will be selling that produce to Stone?
Former Stone farm manager David Solomon and farm coordinator Jessica Sanchez recently established a business partnership with the landowner to establish Terra Madre Gardens. In doing so, a crowdfunding campaign was set up to support the new project on GoFundMe.com.
Solomon and Sanchez live on the farm and have tended it with heart and genuine love for years along with a number of farm staff who also call the land home. Once Terra Madre Gardens is fully up-and-running, they intend to open to the public, providing events, workshops, private-event space and a CSA program.
Meanwhile, members of Stone’s team are pleased with the outcome and happy to see Solomon and Sanchez continue on in such a significant capacity. Says Stone director of hospitality Steve Robbins, “With every storm, we try to find a silver lining and believe we have found one. With the agriculturally sound and talented hands of David and Jessica leading this project, we could not have asked for a better outcome for the property. We are extremely confident in their ability to carry the farm torch and look forward to continuing our strong dedication of supporting local farms, including its newest member, Terra Madre Gardens.”