THE DALLES, OR - One hundred years is quite the legacy, and for Orchard View Cherries, it’s a legacy that encourages steps toward an even brighter future. I spoke with Brenda Thomas, President, to learn more about what this milestone means.
“We are so proud to be celebrating 100 years dedicated to producing the best-tasting, most beautiful cherries in the world,” Brenda shared with me. “But it doesn’t stop there. This anniversary only gives us an opportunity to reflect and look toward the next 100 years. To us, it will be a year like any other—marked by long days dedicated to picking, packing, and shipping fruit grown on our beautiful cherry orchards with commitment and care.”
Over the last 100 years, Orchard View Cherries has taken that considerable care and used it to strengthen its operations while staying true to its roots.
“Our company ethos hasn’t changed after all these years, and it’s always been most important to my family to conserve resources,” Brenda noted, an ethos that has been in place since the company’s founding in 1923. “As sustainable farmers, we don’t just harvest the land, we make choices that preserve the natural elements of the farm for the long term. Our key priorities remain our family, neighbors, land, and water. We think of ourselves as stewards of this land and remain grateful that we’re the lucky ones who get to take care of it.”
But innovation is never far behind for Orchard View, as the company continues to set its sights on exciting new opportunities.
“Our mindset remains steadfast on continuous innovation. It’s a privilege to have 100 years of experience, experience that helps us grow and find new ways of doing things to continue being a leader in the cherry industry,” Brenda shared. “That cherry savvy is the result of both nature and nurture. We’ve planted our trees with intention, matching each variety to its ideal microclimate and elevation along the rolling hills and rain shadow of The Dalles. This unique combination of terroir and experience allows us to deliver the right cherry at the right time, every time.”
Orchard View will be planting new trees with an eye to the future, featuring such varieties as the Pearl and Royal series, both new to the grower’s portfolio.
“We see growth as the continuous renovation of our orchards, facilities, and equipment,” Brenda continued. “We’re always looking for areas we can improve. Our journey is grounded in a belief that doing right for the land and our people leads to a better world for all, and better cherries from Orchard View.”
The cherry grower recently modified its worker housing facilities on its 3,500 acres, adding playgrounds for workers’ children as well as a soccer field for all to enjoy.
“While many on our team live in the community, we also celebrate the return of well-trained seasonal workers every spring. We value the biodiversity of our unique corner of the world, and the dignity of those who work with us,” Brenda added.
Although the celebration won’t start until the very last truck pulls out of the yard in August, Orchard View’s gratitude for this moment is palpable.
“We’ll take a moment to appreciate the accomplishment and start preparing for our next season of ripe and delicious cherries sought the world over,” Brenda expressed.
Cheers to 100 more, Orchard View!
