About Us
Mission
To encourage and foster public and scientific interest, research, education in, and the preservation of rare fruit plants that have edible seeds, fruits, leaves, stems or roots and are not commonly grown commercially.
Did you know that our parent organization, California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc. (CRFG) actually got started in North San Diego County? A conversation began between two of the original founders about growing rare fruit trees in Southern California. These two gentlemen were from Vista and Bonsall. Who would think that this discussion occurring in 1966 would result in the amazing organization we have today? Read more about the history of CRFG.
Our History
Meetings are open to members and guests. Please check the events tab for current meeting details.
Chapter meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of most months, from 7:00 - 8:30pm. We open doors at 6:30 for socializing, tasting, networking, and checking out the raffle table. Expert speakers offer their knowledge of growing rare varieties of fruits, as well as advice on soil/water/pest management, among other things.
We meet at Norway Hall in Vista, at 2006 E Vista Way Vista, CA. Go through the gated driveway behind the Prohibition Brewery, and follow our signs.
Plant Sales:
We also have scheduled plant sales during the year where members have raised edible plants for sale to event attendees. There is usually a selection of grafted fruit trees, rootstock, seedlings, cuttings, vegetables, herbs, and harvested fruit. Watch the calendar for these events.
Social Media:
Our Facebook page has lots of member stories of what is happening in their gardens, information on the next chapter event, and we post other local gardening events and other CRFG Chapter events for those interested. Click on the "f" at the bottom of any page to access our Facebook presence.
Meeting Information
We have an Opportunity Table at every Chapter meeting following the main program, with items donated by our members. Please bring anything loosely related to gardening such as fruit (no citrus), veggie, or herb plants, decorative containers or vases, fruit wines (sealed), jams & jellies, gloves, tools, fertilizers, or other items that members may want. You receive one free raffle ticket if the value of your donations totals $3.00 or more. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00, and you don’t need to donate to buy tickets and win something fun.
Opportunity Table
At most meetings, a donation comes in that’s too significant to be put on the opportunity table. Then it goes into a silent auction, where members can bid to have a chance to acquire these more sought-after specimens. Bid, and discover for yourself answers to burning questions such as “will this massive guava tree even fit in our car?” and “what variety of banana do we suppose that is?”
Silent Auction
Tasting Table
Members are encouraged to bring their edibles (no citrus), washed if appropriate, to the tasting table during check-in at the Chapter meetings. As with items for the Opportunity Table, bringing tasting table goodies earns you one free raffle ticket. Tasting table items do not have to be rare fruit, just anything you may be harvesting at meeting time. The tasting table Items will be labeled, cut, and presented for consumption (napkins, toothpicks, plates will be provided).
Chapter Governance
Our chapter is led by an elected Board of Directors who guide activities under a structured framework called the Rules and Regulations.
Do you have a comment or general question? Please fill out the form below or contact one of our board of directors.
