Hoch Orchards and Gardens, run by Harry and Jackie Hoch (above), is a family farm near La Crescent, Minn., with a long tradition of growing fresh fruit. A handful of the farm’s original trees, planted in the 1940s, can still be found on the farm, though production is concentrated on newer varieties. Besides 50 varieties of apples, Hoch Orchards also grows grapes, plums, apricots (cold-tolerant varieties they have developed right on the farm), cherries and berries. It is a testament to Harry and Jackie’s farming ability that they are able to grow such high-quality fruit organically, as apples are very vulnerable to pests and disease.

Hoch Orchards is certified organic by the Midwest Organic Services Association (MOSA) and is working with MOSA in a pilot project to create a certification process for domestic fair trade. Such a program would maintain standards that verify a farm is getting fair prices for its products and providing a living wage and healthy working conditions for its employees.

Many of Hoch Orchards’ products are biodynamic certified by Demeter (as well as certified organic), and their raspberries are particularly excellent this year. Come say hello to Hoch Orchard farmers tomorrow and ask them if biodynamics has made the difference with their sweet and zingy raspberries!