Produce News | 9 September 2025
Stemilt, Farmland LP launch joint venture, expand organic orchards
by West Mathison
The venture includes 952 acres across seven orchards, of which 311 acres are certified organic, and 272 acres are in transition to organic over the next four years. Farmland LP will guide organic transition and land management, and Stemilt will serve as farm manager and post-harvest lead. Both organizations are co-investors, underscoring their shared commitment to long-term success.
Founded in 1964, Stemilt is a category leader in organic apples and cherries, serving retailers across North America and the world with vertically integrated operations from orchard to truck. This venture supports the company’s long-term goal of expanding its orchard footprint and reinforcing year-round supply assurance for its retail partners.
“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.”
“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.”
This is the third investment for Farmland LP’s Vital Farmland III LLC (Fund III), which is expected to remain open to new commitments through Dec. 31. The Stemilt orchards introduce apples and cherries to Fund III, further diversifying the portfolio and bringing total holdings to more than 4,700 acres. Earlier acquisitions include the 1,184-acre Riverwood Farmin Oregon’s Willamette Valley and 2,625 acres across three farms in California's San Joaquin Delta.