Farmland LP, a farmland manager focused on organic and regenerative production in the United States, and Stemilt Growers have announced a joint venture to expand organic apple and cherry production in Washington's Columbia Basin.
The venture covers 952 acres (385 ha) across seven orchards. Of these, 311 acres (126 ha) are certified organic and 272 acres (110 ha) are in transition to organic certification over the next four years. Farmland LP will oversee organic transition and land management, while Stemilt will serve as farm manager and post-harvest lead. Both parties are co-investors.
Founded in 1964, Stemilt is a supplier of organic apples and cherries, with vertically integrated operations serving retail markets in North America and internationally. The company said the joint venture supports its long-term objective of expanding orchard area and strengthening supply for its retail partners.
© Farmland LP
"This joint venture adds to our ability to deliver high-flavor, organic fruit with consistency," said West Mathison, President of Stemilt Growers. "Farmland LP's regenerative management and organic conversion approach complements our long-term vision and helps us steward some of the best orchard ground in the Columbia Basin."
Craig Wichner, Managing Partner of Farmland LP, said, "This partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to regenerative agriculture, premium fruit quality, and long-term land stewardship. With this joint venture, we are strengthening crop and regional diversification for our investors while expanding the supply of certified organic farmland to meet growing consumer demand."
This investment is the third for Farmland LP's Vital Farmland III, LLC ("Fund III"), which remains open to new commitments through December 31, 2025. The Stemilt orchards add apples and cherries to Fund III's portfolio, which now totals more than 4,700 acres (1,902 ha). Previous acquisitions include the 1,184-acre (479 ha) Riverwood Farm in Oregon's Willamette Valley and 2,625 acres (1,063 ha) across three farms in California's San Joaquin Delta.
© Farmland LPFor more information:
Ian Murphy
Farmland LP
Tel: +1 310 689 6397
Email: [email protected]
www.farmlandlp.com