Planning for the future at Haroutunian North, long-time home of Tierra Vegetables
Sonoma County Ag + Open Space and Tierra Vegetables are working together on the short and long-term vision for how this vibrant agricultural property continues its legacy
SANTA ROSA, CA (June 8, 2026) – Having farmed this land for over two decades, and after considering all options, Lee and Wayne James of Tierra Vegetables have decided not to buy the Sonoma County Ag + Open Space-owned Haroutunian North property. Ag + Open Space and the James’ are working hand-in-hand on next steps for Tierra Vegetables, and for the long-term future of the property as a community agricultural asset.
“We at Tierra Vegetables are deeply proud of our 24 years of farming the Haroutunian North property, and are grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way,” said Lee and Wayne James, owners and operators of Tierra Vegetables. “As you’ve all likely seen, we have spent the last few years considering our future. Do we buy the land? Do we retire? We wanted to fully explore all possible paths forward and thank everyone who has joined us on the journey. After deep consideration, we have realized that buying the property is not the right fit for us at this moment in our lives. We are so thankful for everyone who has donated, and to Ag + Open Space for being creative and collaborative in how to make the land more affordable. At this juncture, we will continue to work with our long-time partners at Ag + Open Space on the best possible outcomes for our eventual retirement, the business, and the land.”
While Tierra Vegetables is exploring their long-term options, Ag + Open Space is continuing to lease to the James’. Ag + Open Space is grateful to Wayne and Lee for being valuable partners and excellent stewards of this land. Their operations have improved the agricultural productivity, soil health, and ag infrastructure on the property, while also providing agricultural education to generations of Sonoma County, and wholesome and culturally important foods for their community and restaurants across the Bay Area.
“Wayne and Lee are incredible leaders and role models in local, organic farming, and connecting the community to the beauty and bounty of Sonoma County agriculture right in their own backyards. It’s been our honor to work with them all these years,” said Misti Arias, Ag + Open Space General Manager. “We have been, and continue to be, fully committed to exploring tools that help us make ag land more affordable – for Tierra Vegetables and for farmers and ranchers across the county. This includes continuing to work hand-in-hand with Wayne and Lee to move forward in a way that keeps the land in active agriculture and also honors Tierra Vegetables.”
Long-term plans for the property will be focused on maintaining the James family’s legacy of vibrant agricultural production and community engagement on the land. The property’s excellent soils and urban location make it highly suitable for a variety of agricultural uses, and it is well suited for growing local food, agriculture education, growing food that supports food banks, and culturally important and/or rare foods. Ag + Open Space intends to develop a public process that will offer Sonoma County communities a chance to take part in envisioning the future after Tierra Vegetables’ tenure.
“I’m grateful for Tierra Vegetables’ work to help keep our communities fed,” says Rebecca Hermosillo, Ag + Open Space Board Chair. “Ag + Open Space is proud to partner with Tierra Vegetables and support the County’s agricultural community. We look forward to continuing this important work.”
Tierra Vegetables will be reaching out to donors individually on how funds raised to possibly purchase the property can be redirected or redistributed.
Ag + Open Space Media Contact:
Lauren Alpert
lauren.alpert@sonoma-county.org
707/565.7345
Tierra Vegetables Media Contact:
Name: Lee James
Email: Lee@tierravegetables.com
Phone (Texts preferred): 707/433.5666