High Altitude Farming in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Rugged Roots Farm is located in Quincy, California 3,432 feet above sea level. This means our growing season is much shorter due to hard frosts and hot summers.

We start seeds in March in a greenhouse and have plants in the ground producing food from June through October.

Using season extension structures like hoop houses and cat tunnels, we are able to grow a variety of vegetables that otherwise would not survive our climate.

Rugged Roots Farm allows us to feed our community and empower people to grow food at high elevations sustainably.

Regenerative Practices

We use regenerative agricultural practices including cover-cropping, pollinator hedgerows, composting and mulch, and have several no-till zones to build soil health and reduce emissions. We do not use any sprays or chemicals on our farm.

Hub for Education

Rugged Roots is an outdoor classroom for people of all ages exploring and learning through a variety of ag-based programs including summer workshops, summer camp and school field trips.

It is also where we train the next generation of farmers and land stewards through our internship programs for young adults and as the classroom site for Feather River College’s Ecological Farming certificate.

Feeding our Community

From June through October, Rugged Roots supplies local stores like the Feather River Food Co-op, restaurants, and has contracts with Plumas Unified School district and Plumas Charter School for their school lunch programs as a Farm to School partner. Customers can shop direct at the Tuesday Evening Farm Stand and daily honor system fridge. Donations of produce are also made throughout the season to local crisis centers and food pantries.