Lagier Ranches Retires from Farming

May 6, 2026

John Lagier and Casey Havre of Lagier Ranches have announced their retirement from farming. Organic pioneers, Lagier Ranches was a Ferry Plaza Farmers Market fixture, known for specialties like fresh almonds in the fall, juicy citrus in the winter, sour cherries in the spring (a rare and sought-after treat), and Bronx grapes in the summer (a nearly extinct heritage variety, recognized by the Slow Food Ark of Taste).

A fourth-generation farmer, John started farming in 1979 with 80 acres of almonds and 18 acres of cherries in Ecalon, California. In the early 1990s, he transitioned to organic practices, and joined the Ferry Plaza in 1993 and remiained commited to farmers markets. John met Casey Havre in 2004, when she began selling her Loulou’s Garden fruit preserves at the Ferry Plaza. Their farmers market romance blossomed into marriage and a business partnership.

An inspector for California Certified Organic Farmers, Casey shared John’s integrity, commitment, and deep passion for organic farming. In the words of their farm mission, “Lagier Ranches recognizes its responsibility as a steward of the Earth. This value is reflected in environmentally conscious use of water, energy, and other resources with our organic farming practices. This is a socially responsible organization based on a sound ethic of fairness to customers, employees, regulatory agencies, and our community.”

Foodwise’s Director of Operations Lulu Meyer shared, “I am so grateful to both John and Casey for teaching me so much throughout their tenure at the markets, for always being friendly and warm with every shopper they encountered, and for all the hard work they put in for so many years to bring amazingly beautiful fruits to market. I am so sad to say goodbye, but I wish them nothing but happiness as they move into this new chapter.”

John and Casey will be missed by all of us, as will their delicious, organic fruit. They shared this farewell message for our market community.

It’s almost cherry season again; what would be for Lagier Ranches over 30 years of selling cherries at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

Sadly (and happily!) Lagier Ranches has decided to finally retire and move on to our next chapter. We have loved all these years at the market and looked forward to seeing friends as each new season arrived. We will miss every one of you and are both sad and happy to begin this new chapter.

We are grateful to all of our customers and so grateful to everyone at Foodwise for such a long and warm relationship.

Thanks to you all for many wonderful years!!!

Our warmest regards,
John Lagier and Casey Havre

Topics: Market Transitions