Meet Rich Johansen: A True Pioneer in Organic Satsuma Production

Owari Satsumas

Anyone who’s tasted Johansen Ranch organic Satsumas, considered to be the sweetest available on the market, know they are worth looking forward to each season.

Rich and his dedicated crew work each season to bring to market his incredible fruit. “We have a professional picking crew who return every year and they’re everything!” said Rich. “We take care of our team and they embrace their responsibility to get the best fruit.”

A second-generation grower, Rich tends 48 acres of Satsuma trees planted by his dad and uncle in the ‘60s in the town of Orland, California. Orland is located 100 miles north of Sacramento and is the northernmost citrus growing area in the world. Johansen owns and operates one of the last old-time citrus groves and runs his own packing house.

“My dad and uncle planted Owari Satsuma - a cold, hardy rootstock – which is slow-growing. It took years to start producing, but once it started, it was really good,” said Rich. “Our budwood (scion) was smuggled in from Japan; ours was the best and might be the only one of its kind. Our flavor is different, and it helps to be growing up north.”

 In the early 70s, Sunkist had three packing houses in Orland and the company refused to pack for Johansen Ranch. “It was the best thing that happened to us,” recalls Rich. “We went out and got a rudimentary packing line and sizer that got into the business of packing. This gave us control over quality and who bought our satsumas.” 

Tom Lively and Rich Johansen

 Certified organic since 1990, Rich leaves about 25 acres fallow for natural habitat and keeps a grass mat on the ground to absorb heavy rain. His experience working with his dad as a kid expanded while serving in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica where he pursued ag training in subtropical fruit production.

 Johansen gives credit to the legendary Amigo Bob Cantisano for helping back in the ‘70s when they were getting started. “Amigo Bob gave us the tools we needed to succeed in organic production.”

 “OGC has done business with Rich since about 1983, and we have customers who’ve been ordering his fruit for 30 years,” said Tom Lively, Senior Sales Rep at OGC.

“For years, Rich was the only one growing Satsumas. He’s a true pioneer and a different breed.”

“It’s easier to jump in today, as there’s the experience gained from those who went first. These early guys had to figure it out themselves. Rich developed a great product and a great reputation.”

Satsumas, know for their super-sweet flavor profile, juiciness and skin so easily torn off it’s referred to as “zipper skin” are some of Mother Nature’s most delicious fruit and no one coaxes it from the earth better than  Johansen Ranch.

Be sure to check out Johansen Ranch’s Clementines and Navels, as well! Rich’s expertise extends beyond Satsumas and the quality of the rest of his citrus can’t be beaten! Contact your Rep for more details!