Irvine, CA – Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris honored Tanaka Farms as the 2026 Small Business of the Year for the 73rd Assembly District.
Each year, Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris invites community members to nominate a small business that has made a meaningful and lasting impact in their community. This year’s honoree, Tanaka Farms, is a family-owned farm and produce market that has grown into one of Irvine's most beloved community institutions while preserving a piece of Orange County's agricultural heritage.
Founded by Issei immigrant Takeo Tanaka, who came to California from Hiroshima, Japan in the early 1900s, Tanaka Farms is now a multigenerational, family-run operation led by third-generation farmer Glenn Tanaka and his son, fourth-generation farmer Kenny Tanaka. Since relocating to its current 30-acre home on University Drive in 1998, Tanaka Farms has grown from a small produce stand into the only remaining family-run farm in Irvine offering educational and U-pick tours — welcoming thousands of local schoolchildren each year to learn about responsible farming and healthy eating. Beyond its farm tours, produce stand, Community Supported Agriculture program, and seasonal traditions like its pumpkin patch and Hikari Festival of Lights, Tanaka Farms has built a legacy of community service, including its annual Walk the Farm fundraiser and ongoing efforts to feed families in need.
“Tanaka Farms represents four generations of a family who turned hard work and love of the land into one of Irvine's most treasured community traditions,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “Their story reflects the very best of our city's agricultural roots, and I'm proud to recognize the Tanaka family as our 2026 Small Business of the Year."
“Our family has been farming in Orange County since 1940, and since 1988, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming families onto our farm to experience agriculture firsthand,” said Kenny Tanaka, General Manager of Tanaka Farms. “Tanaka Farms has always been about more than growing fruits and vegetables. It’s about bringing people together, educating the next generation, creating lasting memories, and giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years. We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris. This award belongs not just to our family, but to our hardworking employees and everyone who has been part of the Tanaka Farms journey. We’re proud of our roots and look forward to continuing to serve our community for generations to come.”
For more information about Tanaka Farms, visit www.tanakafarms.com.
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Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris represents California’s 73rd District including Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Tustin. She is the Chair of the Utilities and Energy Committee. She is also a member of the Budget Committee; Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee; Insurance Committee; and Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. After working her way through Yale University, where she double majored in Economics and English, Cottie had a successful 20-year career in finance and technology. She helped to build businesses and led teams at Fortune 500 corporations, small companies and start-ups. Follow the Assemblywoman on Instagram (@asmcottie), and Facebook (AssemblywomanCPN).