Farming Practices

Often we are asked, “Are your fruits and veggies organic?” Because our farm is in transition from a conventionally farmed monoculture to a diverse, sustainably managed operation, the answer is threefold:

Currently, our vegetables are farmed organically and are certified by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Our certification number is 2102. We maintain the fertility of our soils by applying compost and growing a diversity of both summer and winter cover crops. We test our soil annually and add micronutrients and other amendments (such as rock powders) as required to maintain a balanced soil.

Our apples and cherries are farmed conventionally using environmentally sensitive IPM (Integrated Pest Management) practices such as soft spray regiments and mating disruption. This helps us to bring the highest quality and cleanest fruit to market.

Our stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, plums) is farmed using “Sunshine Sustainable” practices. Sunshine Sustainable combines the best of both organic and conventional practices. Sunshine Sustainable is not only good for our soils and environment but also minimizes the carbon footprint of the food we grow.

What does Sunshine Sustainable mean?   On the ground it means that our peaches and other stone fruits are farmed exactly the same as other organic fruits—we use the same organic fertilizers, sprays, and techniques—with one exception: weed control. We still control our weeds under the tree canopy with a conventional herbicide. We considered the organic alternatives but found them to be resource intensive and carbon expensive—that is, requiring more trips through the orchard on the tractor, and more disruption of the soil.

Given that our goal is to farm as sustainably as possible, we will utilize organic practices to create a healthy, living soil that feeds our plants and trees. But when it makes sense, we will also reserve the right to use the best of science to help us reduce our use of tractors and diesel.