Vernon Peterson’s Equation for Achieving “The Higher Good”
Fourth-generation stone fruit grower Vernon Peterson is known for his wide smile. But perhaps the only thing broader than his gold medal grin is how he defines family.
“Our employees and their families create the foundation for what we do, and we’re proud of the way we care for them,” Vernon shares.
Many employees have worked alongside the Petersons for 20 years, with some for as many as 40; a tenure that’s hard to come by in this industry and a testament to the kinship formed by the deeply rooted respect shared by everyone that contributes to the farm’s success.
An investment in foundational elements is a common theme at Peterson Family Farm. From the resources they direct into the ground to ensure their soil is as biodynamic as possible, how they foster community, to how Vernon defines his relationship with their trees, the farm’s future is contingent upon nourishing their resources.
“Each variety of fruit is like a child,” Vernon chuckles. “For them to achieve their best potential, they each require a different approach. It’s fun to see your children accomplish great things, knowing you put the work into helping them get there.”
From pruning to thinning and providing them nutrition, Vernon likens the process to figuring out a puzzle. It’s hard work, no doubt, but he relishes the challenge.
“Vernon is so into what he does,” shares OGC Buyer Brian Keogh. “He is incredible at it. The infrastructure that he’s built, the community that he brings together to make it all happen, the legacy that he’s building for future generations, it’s all so thoughtful. And, at the end of the day, the proof is in the quality of the fruit.”
Vernon has brought together a group of local farmers to help bring that high-quality fruit to market. Small by anyone’s definition, no larger than 100 acres and on average as few as 20, this group has created a roadmap for success.
For years they have met every Wednesday for their weekly lunch, where they discuss how their varieties are performing, where there are gaps, and ways they can support each other. Their coordinated plantings ensure that there is a steady stream of peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots heading into the Peterson Family Farm packing shed for the entire length of the season.
“Nobody plants anything without the consensus of the group,” Vernon shares. “Ain’t none of us is as smart as all of us,” is the philosophy of this collective.
Stephen Paul is not only the Stone Fruit Category Director for Homegrown Organic Farms, the entity that proudly distributes Peterson Family Farm’s fruit, but is also a grower and member of Vernon’s collective.
“We’re as close to a co-op as you can be without being an official co-op,” Stephen says. “The group works in a collaborative way that results in consistent quality. We view ourselves as a family of growers, and Vernon’s sense of community was the catalyst for that.”
Stephen explains the monumental amount of work Vernon puts into achieving what he calls “the higher good.” It’s a farming philosophy that extends beyond just growing delicious fruit.
Peterson Family Farm, along with their contributing growers, are EFI certified and deeply invested in expanding their regenerative practices. Vernon is currently pursuing Rodale Certification, a distinction that will bring this farm into a community of growers going beyond organic.
“Our sixth-generation farmer is riding their trike in front of the house right now,” Vernon beams. With an eye on the future, he’ll continue to build an operation of which he and his family can be proud.
Ask your OGC Account Representative about the delicious plums and pluots grown by Peterson Family Farms, distributed through Homegrown Organic Farms. It’s the peak of the season and the perfect time to enjoy these juicy gems!