Market Farming

[Lee Lawton <llami AT teleport.com>]

> I was wondering if anyone on the list is currently operating an orchard,
> whether as your main crop or "on the side".

Tree fruit and berries are a pretty big deal here in Oregon. Apples are a
little hard to sell, since there are so many, and so many different
varieties, at the market, but I sell organic apples, which are uncommon
here, although lots of folks just want the variety they like, regardless of
whether organic or not.

Berries disappear within two hours of the market opening it seems, no matter
how many vendors have them. I sell organic raspberries for $3.00/pint and
up. Even blackberries, which are considered to be an invasive weed here,
sell for $1.50 a pint. This is probably due to the fact that permanent
scarring occurs after only a couple of trips to the blackberry vines!

I've done well with persimmons, both native and Japanese, Asian pears,
Italian plums, hardy kiwi, raspberries, blackberries, Seckel pears, figs,
and hazelnuts. Unusual offerings in this line do well at our farmer's
market. I'm adding to my orchard this year--all in the unusual and rare
line.

Lee Lawton
Over the Rainbow Farm
Junction City, Oregon