From the Cultivating Our Communities Stories series BY KAY SHIPMAN FarmWeek
Valley Orchard customers bought all of Raoul Bergersen’s rhubarb and left none to be processed. That boom in local demand for fresh fruit continues into berry season. So many people arrived to pick cherries, the crop was depleted in a few days, the quickest Bergersen remembers. “We’ve had more phone calls and more business than ever,” Bergersen told FarmWeek. “This is the best spring. The cherries were picked out in four days we had so many people.” Near Cherry Valley, Raoul and Jodie Bergersen and their sons, Brandon and Bret, grow a variety of U-pick fruit crops on 35 acres that includes about 5,000 apple trees.
Spring crops start with rhubarb and asparagus. Summer crops include a variety of currants, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and, of course, cherries. Apple season starts the last week of August.
In addition to the orchard, an on-farm store offers a variety of products and expands the selection during apple season. Cider slushies and cider made from Valley Orchard apples are available. Fall treats include caramel apples and apple donuts, pies, and bread when the bakery opens in the fall. Products include jams, jellies, salsas, honey, squash, pumpkins, and gourds.
Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. During apple season, the orchard and store are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit thevalleyorchard.com or find the orchard on Facebook and Instagram.
Local demand for fresh produce increased early during the pandemic, Bergersen said. “The response was much greater than I expected. The phone was ringing constantly. “I believe people want locally produced items and want to support local farmers,” the grower continued. “Plus, people just wanted to get out. I’ve never had this volume of calls.”
Customers picking fruit are asked to social distance and wear masks when entering the farm store. Hand sanitizer is available at the store entry and near the picking area. Posted signs remind customers of safety rules. “I hope this (demand) continues into the fall. I have an idea how to handle apple picking” with safety practices, Bergersen said. “Our customer response has been way above average.”
