In Honor of "Earth Day" this weekend I would like to talk about a family "Vintage" local farm in Merced. The "Koda" rice farm was started in 1929 by Japanese Immigrant Keisaburo Koda I have had this local grown rice and have to say its absolutely a gift from the rice gods. I am not a big rice eater but I have to say their rice has made me a big fan. I first had this in a few years ago while visiting the farmers market in San Francisco and had taken home a small bag. Their brown Rice is just the right touch of sticky and a bit of honey sweetness. It truly is a real treat to eat. I personally believe in the Japanese culture and spirit and when I hear the story of the man that started this farm only to have it taken away in the 1940's due to the World War II it was sad to hear this. Yet it was in the true Japanese spirit that the story ends with a great lesson in life for us all which is to never give up. The grandchildren of the Koda family are still continuing in the Koda spirit of producing some of the best rice on the west coast. I am sure their Grandfather is smiling down on them with pride and honor. For the rest of us we all can learn from this families examples. I highly suggest individuals go to their website and give them a try. I also believe in small local farmers as their produce tend to be of the highest quality and taste. I am also a firm believer of small business. Not the "Corporate Franchise" mecca we are spoon fed by the Commercialized world.