The Grange, founded in 1862, is America's oldest surviving agricultural organization. In addition to serving as a center for many farming communities, the Grange was an effective advocacy group for family farmers and their agendas, including fighting railroad monopolies and advocating rural mail deliveries. The Grange was unique in recognizing women and teens as equal members from its inception. In 1998, the Green Grange (formally Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange #503) became the first Community Grange in the history of the Grange to embrace as its primary mission the support of organic farming. Our Grange has since been active in promoting all aspects of sustainability in our community. A growing number of other Community Granges have since followed our lead.