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Chico State

University Farm’s Peach Tradition Persists Amid COVID-19, in New Format

The sunshine peeks through branches and leaves of peach trees at the University Farm.
Jason Halley / University Photographer

Members of the community picks peaches as the College of Agriculture hosts their annual U-Pick Peaches Event on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 in Chico, Calif. Visitors are encouraged to pick their own peaches for purchase at the University Farm. (Jessica Bartlett/Student Photographer)

While the COVID-19 pandemic has canceled many summertime traditions, one will continue this week—only with a different look.

California State University, Chico will open University Farm so the community can enjoy its delicious peaches, a beloved annual event enjoyed by our community. In lieu of the popular “U-Pick Peaches,” however, the farm will host socially distanced drive-through peach sales on August 5–7 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, or until supplies run out.

“We have an incredible crop of beautiful Fay Elberta peaches this year,” University Farm Administrator Dave Daley said, “and in order to ensure the health and safety of our guests, we came up with our drive-through concept that allows us to continue to provide the fresh-picked local fruit that has become such a summertime tradition in our community.”

The Fay Elberta peach, a longtime favorite at University Farm, is a large, yellow-skinned freestone with a little red blush, has fairly good shape and nice flavor, and is a popular variety for canning.

The ripe peaches will be picked early each morning by farm staff wearing masks and gloves. The peaches will be gently boxed in flats, each weighing approximately 10 pounds, and sold by the flat for $25 each using exact change, credit cards, or checks made out to “Chico State University Farm.”

The University Farm is located at 311 Nicholas C. Schouten Lane south of Chico. Follow the signs to the drive-through peach sales, which will take place in the main parking lot next to the Pavilion. Guests are asked to remain in their cars, and a staff member will bring the peaches to the car.

CSU, Chico and the University Farm ask that visitors follow a few important guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe experience:

  • Please follow all signs and staff instructions
  • Remain in your vehicle while waiting, receiving and paying for your peaches
  • Anyone feeling ill should stay home
  • Vulnerable (high-risk) individuals should continue to follow the state’s Stay-at-Home Order
  • Wear face coverings
  • Maintain good hygiene by washing hands, using hand sanitizer, and covering coughs and sneezes

Depending upon peach supply and demand, sales may continue into the week of August 10. For the most current information on peach sales, please contact the Peach Hotline at 530-898-4989.

In addition to its annual peach sales, the University Farm continues to operate the Meat Laboratory, which is open for public sales from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. And although it doesn’t coincide with peach sale times, the University Farm also sells greenhouse plants and organic vegetables at the Greenhouse from 1-4 p.m. on Fridays. Visit www.csuchico.edu/maps/campus/ for a map of locations.