Now celebrating our 91st anniversary, today’s Live Oak Farms is grounded in a rich history of four generations of farmers who are dedicated to the land and the vegetables they grow.
Coming from Italy in 1926, Marino Giampaoli sought out the same climate and rich soils of his homeland to grow the same high quality tomatoes found in his native Tuscany. By 1929, the first tomatoes were packed under the shade of a Live Oak tree just outside of Le Grand, in Merced County, in the heart of San Joaquin Valley. His sons would grow the farm into today’s Live Oak Farms. And, years later, the grandchildren and now their grown children today carry the family established tradition of growing excellence.
Today’s Live Oak Farms is very different from those early years. Yet, 91 years later, we’re still farming much of the same land where our first tomatoes were grown and harvested. Long before sustainability was trending, the Giampaoli family’s dedication was to preserving the land for future generations. Learn about Live Oak Farms and it’s history.
Live Oak Farms Timeline
1926
1929
Live Oak’s vine ripened tomatoes were hand packed in the sunny San Joaquin Valley under a Live Oak tree. We’re still farming much of the same land where our first tomatoes were grown and harvested.
1950’s
For decades, Live Oak Farms packed tomatoes in packing shed that was built in 1904. While the building was anything but new, the equipment used to pack tomatoes was among the most modern available.
1965
Live Oak’s new packing house opened, with second generation grower Ray Giampaoli overseeing operations. This new, state of the art operation reflected the company’s dedication to excellence.
2000’s
Today’s Live Oak Farms grows tomatoes, peppers, almonds, and more under the direction of third generation farmer Bob Giampaoli. Four packinghouses are in operation in Le Grand from June to November, packing tomatoes, roma tomatoes, bell and jalapeno peppers. And, now, fourth generation family members have joined the family’s farming operation.
