A 120-acre avocado ranch in the hills above Temecula, California, Rancho Bella Santé is owned by Scott and Debbie McIntyre, who also grow lemons, wine grapes, and tangos (seedless mandarin oranges) on their sustainably farmed property. The McIntyres, who raised their family on the ranch, open it for events held by charitable organizations and others, such as groups of avocado and citrus growers. And, says Debbie McIntyre, a series of farm-to-fork dinners and accompanying ranch tours is now in the planning stages.
The McIntyres’ business, Sierra Pacific Farms, oversees the management of more than 5,000 acres of avocado and lemon groves. Launched in 1988, Sierra Pacific operates with a philosophy of fair labor practices, sustainable farming, and environmental stewardship. McIntyre (who is a third-generation farmer) and his team specialize in grove consultation and redevelopment, water conservation, planting new groves, and even harvesting for farms from San Diego to Santa Barbara. In other words, if you are thinking of buying an avocado or lemon grove, or starting a new one, Sierra Pacific Farms can help you do just about anything you need to do to create a healthy and productive farm.
Scott McIntyre has served on the California Avocado Commission for 13 years, three as chairman and five as vice chairman. He also served for two years on the National Hass Avocado Board.