The Van Dyke family of Gilroy, California loves farming - it’s in their blood! The family has been farming for many generations. Betty and her boys, Peter, Kurt and Eric, took over the farm from Grandpa in 1975. At that time they began to transition the farm from conventional to organic farming. Van Dyke Ranch consists of 80+ acres of organic Blenheim apricots, 35 acres of organic cherries and another 15-20 acres of assorted vegetables, squash, tomatoes, cucumbers and persimmons.

Son Peter is very involved in the family farming operation. He looks to expand the ranch and offer more varieties of fruit in the future. The brothers are researching the prospect of having earlier and later varieties of popular apricots and cherries so their shipping season can be extended. They are also interested in possibly growing organic apples.

The Van Dykes are very proud of their sweet, large organic Bing cherries, 9-12 row, and their packing line. Come harvest time you’ll find the family putting in long days on the farm. After they get done picking and packing cherries they move on to the Blenheim apricots. Their farm has great southern exposure which increases the sweetness and flavor of their fruit. The Blenheim apricot is one of the best tasting apricot varieties, very sweet with true apricot flavor.

Peter and wife Michele's children, Nicholas and Cody, have grown up on the farm and are part of the family farming effort along with their cousin, Michaela, daughter of Eric. Betty is very proud of her farming grandchildren and enjoys taking them skiing and on family outings where they get a chance to “hang out” together. Betty has surfed for many years. Her story is in the Surfing Hall of Fame, along with many great pictures. She also skis, golfs and loves photography. Kurt, an avid surfer, owns a “surfing motel” in Costa Rica. Peter surfs, snowboards, and skis. The entire family loves to travel. The Van Dykes are always on the go!