Producer profile
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The Berryman's organic peach orchards sit above the Columbia River in Northeastern Washington.
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The Berryman family orchard
Northeastern Washington
The Berryman family orchard: peachy
by Alicia Lundquist Guy
(Sound Consumer, August 2003) — Bob and Shelly Berryman's property sits above the mile-wide Columbia River in Northeastern Washington, their front yard bordering National Park Service land. In the midst of such breathtaking scenery, they wondered if they would get any work done when they moved there in 1979. Work hard they did and PCC shoppers are now reaping the golden rewards of their seven-acre certified organic peach orchard.
The Berrymans had previously farmed organically in the Okanogan region, but wanted to move to where they could grow crops free of pesticide drift from other farms. With only 150 orchard acres in all of Stevens County — many of those under sustainable growing methods, they can guarantee their fruit is really clean. They even maintain a "no spray" zone on the county road, pulling roadside weeds by hand. "We go to extremes to ensure that our place is not polluted with pesticides and herbicides," says Bob.
As a long time organic farmer, Bob helped set up the original Tilth Producers' organic certification. "We've been working at it for a long time and showing others how to grow organically. You can be profitable and in harmony with nature," says Bob. For example, they applied a foliar spray of kelp to their trees during this very cold spring to increase bud hardiness, giving the trees an extra degree or two of protection.
This year, the Berrymans have the biggest crop ever since they planted their orchard in 1981. Bob adds, "Organic farming is not just about taking, but about giving back. We try to make the land even healthier than when we found it. Healthier soil equals healthier plants."
Keep an eye out for the Berrymans' Early Red Haven Peach variety in mid-August,
followed by Red Haven, Fairhaven, Red Globe, Suncrest and ending a glorious peach season with Hales in early September. Because the Berrymans don't use a peach-bruising sorting line, their peaches are picked riper. Peaches are carefully handpicked into small peach buckets and transferred into padded individual trays.
Soon after, they arrive at PCC produce departments. "Consumers are getting a really fresh product," Bob beams. In each wonderful piece of fruit grows the small-scale farmer's love of the land. By buying from farmers such as the Berrymans, we are supporting the well-rooted tradition of hard work at a labor of love.
Berryman Family Orchard profiles:
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