FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Since the 1980s, Fresno State’s sweet corn has been a summer staple, but there’s more to it at the Gibson Farm Market.
In this week’s Amazing America 250, FOX26 Reporter Alexis Govea shows you what it takes to keep this popular spot going.
At the heart of the university’s agricultural program sits the Gibson Farm Market, a place where it’s all about hands-on student learning.
“I feel like just the care and dedication that is put into it, as well as just the support from the community, I think is so wonderful, and the fact that we get to produce such a high-quality product for the community to enjoy. It’s just so rewarding,” said Fresno State senior Alyssa Sura.
Amazing America 250: Fresno State sweet corn at the Gibson Farm Market
Students manage nearly every step of production, from irrigation and fertilizing to pest control, harvesting, cooling, and storage.
The market features items like fruit, ice cream, meats, cheeses, veggies, and award-winning wines.
“They leave the classroom and they literally just walk right over to the fields, right over to our dairy and they get that hands-on training producing those products in the Gibson Market interacting with the public,” said Jordan College of Ag, Science and Technology Dean Roilston St. Hilaire.
The true impact goes far beyond the tasty offerings; it’s the hard work and dedication that the students exemplify.
“We have the large acreage – we have over a thousand acres of land, so that allows us to produce a variety of products. Two, we are in the Central Valley, which allows us to grow several different crops unlike other areas where they are limited where they can grow,” said St. Hilaire.
The Gibson Farm Market is the true definition of farm-to-table freshness.
“We know of other universities that do have a market, a farm market if you will, but there’s none that I know of that produces such a unique product as our Fresno State sweet corn,” said St. Hilaire.
Income from the Gibson Farm Market is managed by the University’s agricultural foundation, which supports student activities.
The market is located near the intersection of Chestnut and Barstow Avenues and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.