Andy Sheaffer was born and raised in Carpinteria, California. He is a mechanically inclined problem-solver who began his career in steep hillside stabilization. In 2008, a shift of interest led him and his wife Kathy to purchase a steep, 700-acre avocado and lemon farm near his hometown.
The farm, Vista Punta Gorda, overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is aptly named for its view of Punta Gorda. Andy began reading any book he could get his hands on, went to conferences, took a number of classes and with all of this new knowledge, he and his wife Kathy started to transition the farm to regenerative/organic around 2011.
They eliminated glyphosate amongst other conventional inputs and focused heavily on boosting soil health. The 2017 Thomas Fire devastated their farm, destroying over 200 acres, but the Sheaffers have replanted every year since and are determined to come back stronger. In fact, in the past 15 years of organic/regenerative farming, they have achieved a high state of soil and ecosystem function which leads to a more nutrient dense avocado and lemon.
The entire Sheaffer family—including their three children—contributes to the ranch. Despite the ups and downs of avocado markets, Andy remains optimistic about the future, particularly for California-grown organic avocados.
Years of Experience
No GMOs
Family Owned
Our farming philosophy centers on regenerative, organic practices, that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability over quick fixes. Organic/regenerative farming requires a deep understanding of natural systems, careful nutrient balancing, and constant observation. Andy often says “you can’t farm organically by replacement”. Regenerative practices are healthier for the soil, healthier for the plants, healthier for the consumer, and healthier for the environment.
Caring for the planet is at the core of our sustainability efforts. We protect the environment through thoughtful resource management – providing habitat for owls and hawks to naturally control rodents, conserving water with drip irrigation, using solar power to pump water across our ranch, and applying foliar nutrition by drone to reduce waste and fuel, among other practices.
Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs, focusing instead on natural sustainable solutions. This approach protects beneficial insects, pollinators, and vital soil microbes. Studies have shown that organic fields support over 50% more pollinator species and maintain at least 30% greater biodiversity than conventional farms. Practices like cover cropping and mulching not only enrich the soil but also help prevent harmful run off into streams and groundwater. On the consumer side, people increasingly seek out foods that are free from pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones-choices that support both personal health and a healthier planet.
Farming regeneratively is about actively improving the land, not just maintaining it. These methods rebuild soil health, increase biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and help sequester carbon back into the Earth. These practices make agriculture a solution to climate change rather than a contributor. Moreover, what grows in healthy soil nourishes us. By avoiding synthetic chemicals and focusing on healthy soil, we are producing nutrient dense (rich), chemical free foods that support a balanced gut microbiome. Just as living soil is full of beneficial microbes, so is a healthy gut. Regenerative farming helps restore the natural connection between soil health and human health—starting with what we eat.
805-331-9650
andy@vistapuntagorda.com
7015 Vista Del Rincon Ventura, CA 9300
