SAN FRANCISCO & WENATCHEE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#farmlandlp—Farmland LP, the largest farm manager focused solely on organic and regenerative farmland in the United States, and Stemilt Growers, one of the nation’s top tree fruit producers, today announced a joint venture to expand organic apple and cherry production in Washington’s Columbia Basin.
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 December 31, 2025. 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 Farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and 2,625 acres across three farms in California’s San Joaquin Delta.
About Farmland LP
Founded in 2009, Farmland LP is the largest manager focused solely on organic and regenerative farmland in the United States. The company acquires and transforms conventional farmland into high-value organic and permanent crops while improving soil health, water resources, and biodiversity. With $350M AUM, the firm owns and manages 19,000+ acres farming over 40 crops across the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. For more information, visit farmlandlp.com.
About Stemilt Growers
Stemilt is a family-owned grower, packer, and marketer of tree fruit, based in Wenatchee, WA. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt’s mission is to cultivate people and delight consumers through excellence with its World Famous Fruits. Stemilt is a leader in sweet cherries and organic tree fruits, and a key supplier of apples and pears. The company stewards an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible business through its Responsible Choice® program, which has been in place since 1989. For more information, visit http://www.stemilt.com/.
Press Kit: https://bit.ly/FLP-Stemilt_JV_PressKit
Contacts
Contact – Farmland LP
Ian Murphy
310-689-6397
[email protected]
Contact – Stemilt Growers
Brianna Shales
509-885-4203
[email protected]
