First Fruits of Washington

When the supply of California-grown storage apples dries up in the spring, we rely on a handful of growers in the Pacific Northwest who can supply us with high-quality organic apples until the new California crop is ready to harvest in late summer and early autumn. Apples and Pears are big business in the Pacific Northwest, especially in Washington, and it takes growers and packers who have invested heavily in sophisticated controlled-atmosphere storage facilities to maintain a high quality well into May, June and July. We're excited to source apples from First Fruits, the label behind Broetje Orchards, because of their commitment to their employees and all those who harvest and handle their fruit. Given the nature of fruit tree harvest, about half of their employment opportunities are seasonal in nature, but they're proud to also employ over 1,100 people in year-round jobs. And they're proud of the work they've done to invest in their seasonal and year-round workforce, as well as their greater local and global communities.
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Broetje Orchards is committed to ensuring the growing and packing of safe, quality fruit in a manner that is recognized as an example for others within the industry. Moreover, we have dedicated ourselves to a way of conducting business that respects the people who make our business possible—our employees. 

Our belief is that business does not have to thrive at the expense of the planet or its people, but can chart a course that provides all parties an opportunity to improve.