FOUR GENERATIONS OF FARMING

The Oliver Family has been in the farming industry for four generations with farming roots stemming from both Italy and Portugal. In the early 1900’s Francesco Giuliano immigrated from Bari, Italy to Santa Monica, CA and began his farming business. He tended the fields by day and delivered his products to the Los Angeles terminal market by night. During this time, Frank V. Oliver, an immigrant from the Azores Islands, Portugal moved to Ventura County and labored the fields as a farmhand. After serving in World War II, his son, Francis J. Oliver met and married the daughter of Francesco Giuliano. It was there in Santa Monica that Francesco taught Francis the art of farming. In the late 1940’s, Francis moved back to his hometown of Oxnard and brought the knowledge he learned under the guidance of his father-in-law to become a pioneer in large scale celery production. 

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As the farming business evolved, Francis’ son, John P. Oliver, progressed from field work to sales, leading to the start of his own business Pacific Fresh Produce, Inc. Today the farming tradition continues with John’s family as the fourth generation maintains the same passion, work ethic, and high standards to provide quality products to our customers.