Harvest Time in Brentwood is a nonprofit whose mission is to advance agritourism while providing education and increasing public understanding of farms. Since its formation in 1976, it has grown from 10 to over 60 member farms, helping ensure the continued viability of U-pick farming operations.
Records exist of U-pick farming history in Brentwood dating back to the 1940s and World War II, when kids from nearby towns would travel all the way into Brentwood on farms to select fresh fruit of their choice that they would often handpick to take home; this practice enabled farmers to take direct contact with consumers, the first U-pick initiative sprang up.
Today, Harvest Time annually produces a trail map that leads visitors to open farms and seasonal produce. Board President Jessica Enos attributes a rise in visits and success to sustaining the U-pick tradition: “The map has been instrumental in attracting more visitors and sustaining the U-pick tradition.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have been attracted to U-pick farms due to their open and socially distanced nature. This growth inspired the addition of a fall U-pick season with pumpkin patches and new crops like mulberries.
Agritourism has greatly helped Brentwood’s economy, which has an estimated 200,000 visitors annually between April and November. Beyond tourism, Harvest Time fosters community connections by hosting school field trips to educate children on farming practices.
In 2023, Brentwood earned the title of U-pick Capital, reflecting its dedication to preserving this unique farming tradition. Fresh produce is not the only reason visitors come here; they are also treated to the rich history of Brentwood’s agricultural community, which is still thriving with initiatives like Harvest Time.
From cherries to pumpkins, the U-pick experience remains a favorite activity, and residents and tourists get to savor the fruits of Brentwood’s farming heritage.
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