Welcome to Lopes Family Farms
A family-owned rice farm since 1911. Lopes Family Farms sits on over 200 acres fully dedicated to certified organic rice, some of which are used for duck-rice farming. Our mission is to build an ethically tended duck-rice farm, utilizing an ancient Chinese rice farming system that was modernized in Japan, known as “Aigamo”.
We are growing and Learning. We are continually putting into practice new and cutting edge ways improve our sustainable and regenerative farming methods.
To bring our ambitious vision to fruition would require not only implementation but also considerable know-how. We endeavored to stay true to the traditional methods of duck and rice cultivation, utilizing essential tools such as rice tray makers and a rice transplanter, and most importantly…ducks. Yes, you read that correctly—ducks. The entire process requires a substantial number of ducks to ensure everything works harmoniously!
From the very first seedling we envisioned growing quality sustainable locally grown rice. All the while reducing the water required to yield the harvest.
The ducks and rice create a symbiotic relationship where the ducks eat the weeds and bugs, while providing nitrogen and organic matter for the rice and soil. In turn, the rice provides shelter and food for the ducks.
The benefits are seen in the reduction of water used, by up to two-thirds! Additionally, fertilizer costs are reduced, and heartier rice plants are established. We get a secondary crop from the same amount of land and resources through the processing and sale of ducks each year.
Lopes Family Farms
PRINCETON. CA 95970
530-774-5428
lopesfamilyfarms@gmail.com
