The 8 Essential Ventura County Farmers Markets To Visit In 2025: Schedules, Secret Vendors, And Seasonal Must-Haves
Step into the vibrant heart of Ventura County’s agricultural scene this December 2025, where the air is fresh, and the produce is unparalleled. The region, often called the "Agricultural Capital of California," boasts a dynamic network of Certified Farmers' Markets that are essential weekly destinations for both residents and visitors seeking the freshest, local, and often organic ingredients. This comprehensive guide provides the most current schedules, locations, and insider tips for navigating Ventura County's premier markets, ensuring you never miss out on a seasonal gem.
The commitment to supporting local agriculture in Ventura County is stronger than ever, with exciting new developments like the expansion of Certified Mobile Farmers' Markets and the launch of new locations. From the historic charm of Ojai to the bustling, centrally located Midtown Ventura market, each location offers a unique slice of the county's bounty. Prepare to fill your reusable bags with everything from specialty organic produce and artisanal baked goods to locally sourced honey and meat products.
Ventura County Certified Farmers' Markets: The Complete 2025 Schedule and Locations
Ventura County is home to a robust list of Certified Farmers' Markets, each operating on a specific day, making it possible to shop local almost every day of the week. These markets are certified to ensure that all farm products are sold directly by the farmer who grew them, guaranteeing freshness and supporting the local economy. Here is the definitive schedule for 2025:
- Midtown Ventura Certified Farmers' Market:
- Day/Time: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Year-Round)
- Location: Pacific View Mall Parking Lot (near Red Robin and California Pizza Kitchen), 3301 E. Main St., Ventura.
- Vibe: Established in 1989, this market is a long-standing favorite, offering access to over 25 vendors and is one of the county's most popular mid-week options.
- Ojai Community Farmers' Market:
- Day/Time: Thursdays, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Year-Round)
- Location: 414 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai.
- Vibe: Known for its community focus and smaller, intimate feel, the Ojai market is the perfect stop for afternoon shopping and features a strong emphasis on organic and specialty produce unique to the Ojai Valley.
- Camarillo Certified Farmers' Market:
- Day/Time: Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Year-Round)
- Location: Camarillo Hospice, 2220 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo.
- Vibe: This market is celebrated for its small-town charm and reliable selection of high-quality produce, making it a Saturday morning staple for the Camarillo community.
- Newbury Park Certified Farmers' Market (New for 2025):
- Day/Time: Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Starts June/July 2025)
- Location: Ventura County Health Department (specific address details to be confirmed upon launch).
- Vibe: A highly anticipated addition to the county's offerings, this market promises a new weekend destination for residents in the Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks area.
- Saticoy Farmers Market:
- Day/Time: First Sundays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Year-Round)
- Location: Saticoy Park, 11321 Violeta Street, Ventura.
- Vibe: A newer, community-focused market that offers a unique Sunday option, often featuring local artisans alongside farm-fresh goods.
- Simi Valley Farmers' Market:
- Day/Time: Tuesdays, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Location: Check local listings for the current address, as locations can be subject to change.
- Vibe: A convenient mid-day market for the eastern side of the county, ensuring the Simi Valley community has access to fresh produce early in the week.
- Other Notable Markets: Downtown Oxnard and Thousand Oaks also host Certified Farmers' Markets, which are integral parts of the regional network, offering more variety throughout the week.
The Top 5 Vendors and Unique Produce You Must Find
Beyond the standard grocery fare, the true magic of the Ventura County markets lies in the specialized, seasonal, and often organic products offered by dedicated local farms. Seeking out these specific entities will elevate your market experience and support the core of the county’s agricultural heritage.
1. Sespe Creek Organics: This family farming business is a cornerstone of organic produce in Ventura County. They are CCOF certified organic, meaning their commitment to sustainable and healthy farming practices is officially recognized. Look for their seasonal specialties, which often include unique varieties of citrus and greens that you won't find in a supermarket.
2. Tutti Frutti Farms and The Abundant Table: For those interested in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and organic produce boxes, these two entities are frequently highlighted. Tutti Frutti Farms is known for its certified organic produce boxes, while The Abundant Table in Camarillo is a local leader in farm-to-school and CSA programs. Stopping by their stalls is a great way to learn about weekly box subscriptions.
3. Farmer Fred’s Avocados and Arugula: A popular staple at the Valencia Farmers Market (which draws heavily from Ventura County farms), Farmer Fred is known for his nearly year-round supply of exceptional avocados and his "don't-miss-it arugula." His offerings are a testament to the county’s fertile soil and ideal climate for these crops.
4. Shigeru Nursery and Timber Canyon Ranch: These vendors represent the diversity of the markets. Shigeru Nursery often provides high-quality cut flowers, adding color and fragrance to your home, while Timber Canyon Ranch is a key source for locally raised meat products, eggs, and honey, providing a full-circle shopping experience.
5. Artisanal and Prepared Foods: The markets are not just for raw ingredients. Many locations, particularly the Midtown Ventura market, feature a rotating cast of artisan vendors. Keep an eye out for the popular empanada stand, the local bakeries with fresh bread and pastries, and specialized vendors offering items like knife sharpening services—a true sign of a community-focused market.
The Future of Farm-to-Table: New Initiatives and Topical Authority
Ventura County's agricultural landscape is constantly evolving, with several key initiatives and concepts defining the future of the local food movement. Understanding these developments adds topical authority to your shopping experience.
Certified Mobile Farmers' Markets: A Game-Changer for Access
One of the biggest pieces of news for 2025 is the development and funding of Certified Mobile Farmers' Markets across Ventura County. This initiative aims to increase access to fresh, nutritious, and certified produce in underserved communities that may not have easy access to the established, fixed-location markets. These mobile units are set to revolutionize how farm-fresh goods reach local families, providing a flexible and direct farm-to-consumer model that is both innovative and essential.
Seasonal Must-Haves and Local Delicacies
Ventura County's unique microclimates allow for a staggering variety of crops. While the markets offer staples like fresh vegetables and fruits year-round, seeking out seasonal items is highly rewarding. In the winter months (like this December), you'll find an abundance of citrus, including mandarins and navel oranges, as well as root vegetables and high-quality kale. As spring approaches, look for the first appearances of strawberries, followed by the summer bounty of stone fruits and heirloom tomatoes. The "local delicacies" also extend to specialized goods like leeks, which are a sought-after item at the Ventura market.
Community Programs and Support
The markets are also central to important community support programs. Events like National Farmers' Market Week in August highlight the importance of these venues. Furthermore, the ongoing distribution of Farmers' Market Discount Cards—often coordinated through organizations like the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA)—ensures that fresh produce is accessible to a wider demographic, reinforcing the markets' role as a vital community resource.
Whether you are a chef looking for the perfect ingredient or a family stocking up on healthy staples, the Ventura County Certified Farmers' Markets offer a fresh, authentic, and direct connection to the agricultural richness of the 805 region. Plan your weekly market trip using the 2025 schedule and discover your new favorite local farm.
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