Cheryl Stewart and husband Ron seemed unlikely candidates for organic farming. Originally from San Jose, California, they owned several dry cleaning stores but always dreamed of buying a farm, particularly a fruit orchard. In 1975, the couple purchased a motor home, packed up their three young sons and began touring farming states throughout the West, including Washington, Idaho and Oregon.

The Stewarts found their 95-acre farm that same year in Hood River, Oregon and began planting trees. They made the decision to go organic in 1989. The change was the result of Cheryl’s background as a nutritionist and sons Ronny and Jimmy’s desire to eschew conventionally grown fruit in favor of sustainable farming practices. The Stewarts were one of the first in the Hood River Valley area to convert to organic.

The Stewarts purchased an additional 80-acres in the Hood River Valley for their farm. They attribute the region’s soil, which is enriched with volcanic ash, an integral component for growing perfect fruit.

Regardless of soil, growing great healthy food is the guiding philosophy for the family. “When you grow certified organic,” maintains Cheryl,” you know that what anyone drinks or eats is perfect for their health and body. In a world of many unsafe or unknown products, we know what we are doing is good.”