Farmland LP Partners with Stemilt Growers to Expand Organic Apple and Cherry Production

Key Takeaways:

• Farmland LP and Stemilt Growers have formed a joint venture in Washington’s Columbia Basin.
• The project covers 952 acres, with 311 acres already certified organic and 272 acres in transition.
• Farmland LP will oversee land management and organic transition; Stemilt will manage farm operations and post-harvest.
• The venture supports both companies’ commitments to regenerative agriculture and premium fruit quality.
• The orchards represent the third investment for Farmland LP’s Vital Farmland III fund.

Farmland LP and Stemilt Collaborate on Orchard Expansion

Farmland LP, the largest U.S. farmland manager focused on organic and regenerative practices, has announced a joint venture with Stemilt Growers, a leading tree fruit producer. The partnership aims to expand organic apple and cherry production in Washington’s Columbia Basin, combining expertise in land management and vertically integrated fruit operations.

Details of the Joint Venture

The venture includes 952 acres across seven orchards. Of these, 311 acres are already certified organic, while 272 acres are in transition and expected to achieve certification over the next four years. Farmland LP will direct the organic transition and regenerative land management practices, while Stemilt will take on farm management and post-harvest responsibilities.

“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.”

Shared Commitment to Regenerative Agriculture

Both organizations emphasized that the partnership reflects their dedication to regenerative agriculture, premium fruit quality, and land stewardship.

“This partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to regenerative agriculture, premium fruit quality, and long-term land stewardship,” said Craig Wichner, Managing Partner of Farmland LP. “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.”

Part of Farmland LP’s Fund III Strategy

The orchards mark the third investment for Farmland LP’s Vital Farmland III, LLC, which remains open to new commitments through December 31, 2025. This investment adds apples and cherries to the fund’s portfolio, which now totals more than 4,700 acres. Previous acquisitions include the 1,184-acre Riverwood Farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and 2,625 acres across three farms in California’s San Joaquin Delta.