Organic strawberry production has been on the rise every year. In 2009 organic production is estimated at 1,627 acres, an increase of 3.2% according to the California Strawberry Commission.

For growers that are truly interested in having a totally organic operation, Lassen Canyon Nursery has partnered with Prather Ranch. For the last five years Lassen Canyon Nursery was instrumental in aiding Prather Ranch to produce the first certified organic strawberry plants in California.

The plants are grown at Prather Ranch's certified organic fields in Macdoel. Most of the land has never been farmed so it produces a nice crop of plants. The farming methods pretty much mirror conventional strawberry nursery culture except no chemicals are used. There is no fumigation applied. Only organic fertilizers are applied for necessary plant nutrition. Similarly only organic materials are used for treating the occasional light pest and disease problem that pop up from time to time. The organic operation is managed by second generation organic farmer James Rickert. In 2009 James has 8 acres planted in the following varieties: Valley Red, Totem, Monterey, San Andreas, Camarosa, Chandler, Albion, Seascape. The ranch is in the California Certified Organic program. The organic fields along with the processing facility are inspected annually. The inspector is looking for any signs of disease or pests and to insure the plants are grown and processed using approved organic products and principles. For more information on certified organic plants or any of the other Prather Ranch operations, please visit their website.