As demand for fresh, locally sourced produce grows, Sage Mountain Farm in Anza, California, stands out for its sustainable practices and community-driven initiatives. Owned by Phil Noble, this regenerative farm is committed to organic farming and collaboration with other small farms, and providing an array of wholesome foods, including freshly harvested produce, pastured beef, pork, lamb and chicken.
Sustainability is key at Sage Mountain Farm. Recently, Noble reduced plastic use in garlic planting by planting directly into the soil instead of using plastic, speeding up the process fourfold. They cover the garlic with compost to suppress weeds, continuing this approach to minimize plastic while enhancing efficiency.
Extreme weather, present challenges, but high tunnels help protect crops.
“They capture daytime heat, safeguarding crops from freezes,” Noble explains. “A hard freeze can kill tomatoes, eggplants, and squash, but 99 or 100 degrees isn’t as damaging.”
Last season, high winds caused significant damages, underscoring the unpredictability of farming.
Soil Health and Weed Management
Topsoil preservation is a major focus at Sage Mountain Farm. To maintain soil health without chemicals, Noble uses controlled burning before planting carrots.
“We irrigate, let weeds sprout slightly, then burn them off," he explains. Another method involves planting radishes with the carrots -- since radishes sprout first, early burning clears weeds before the carrots emerge.
Maximizing Harvests and Community Distribution
Unlike large commercial farms that harvest only the main head of broccoli, Sage Mountain Farm allows plants to continue producing.
“We don’t just take the main head —we let the plant grow back,” Noble says. “Big farms pull the plant immediately, but we maximize each crop.”
The farm is a key member of Foodshed, a co-op supplying local food organizations like UC San Diego and Feeding San Diego. They partner with farms in Fallbrook, Valley Center, and beyond to provide a diverse selection in their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) boxes.
“We can’t always fill CSA boxes alone, so we work with other farms,” Noble explains. “For citrus and avocados, we source from a Valley Center farmer who’s been in the business for 25 years.”
Supporting Local Farms
For restaurants and markets prioritizing farm-to-table sourcing, Sage Mountain Farm offers fresh, seasonal produce. However, Noble acknowledges that it requires flexibility.
“A restaurant can’t just place an order overnight and expect next-day delivery,” he says. “A freeze can delay tomatoes for weeks. It's extra work, but the payoff is fresher ingredients.”
Local Chef Leah DiBernardo of Old Town Temecula's EAT Marketplace, exemplifies this commitment, sourcing exclusively from local farms.
“She works five times harder than most because she doesn’t rely on large distributors,” Noble shares. “But she’s passionate about serving truly fresh, local food.”
Bringing Fresh Produce to the Community
Sage Mountain Farm’s CSA boxes make it easy to support local farms. Available throughout Temecula and the Inland Empire, they offer fresh, seasonal produce with Wednesday and Thursday deliveries and convenient pick-up locations.
A Future Rooted in Sustainability
As Sage Mountain Farm evolves, its commitment to sustainability, partnerships, and high-quality produce remains strong. Noble’s dedication to innovation, plastic reduction, and collaboration ensures a bright future for farm-to-table dining.
Support local farms by signing up for a CSA box, or dining at farm-to-table restaurants.
“Our commitment to organic farming and local partnerships ensures our community enjoys the freshest, most wholesome foods.” – Phil Noble