Like other American farmers, fruit growers are experiencing bad times. Many traditional U-pick fruit farms are finding it increasingly difficult to make a profit. Yet, these operations offer something the consumer should want-high quality fruits at a reasonable price. Are there any practical solutions to this problem?
Innovative growers have found ways to diversify and attract customers. For example, they may operate a B & B, or open restaurants on the farm.
Here is how James Cummins, owner of Littletree Orchards in Newfield, NY, described the present situation. He's noticed a lot of change in the business over the years. Originally when he first opened, customers came to get inexpensive fruit for canning. That's no longer true. Smaller families don't require huge quantities of home-canned goods.
These days, customers at Littletree would rather buy the peach preserves that he makes using his own fruits.
Now consumers view a trip to his orchard as entertainment or a leisure activity, also known as agri-tourism. Like others in the entertainment industry, he must provide what people want. Formerly, he thought of himself as a pomologist or fruit expert. That has changed, and now his present role is that of a groundskeeper to maintain the facilities used by the customers.
He's gone out of his way to make the operation appealing to fun-seeking families. Interspersed throughout the orchard, there are swings, playgrounds, and picnic tables. Inside his sales barn, he offers other entertainment in the form of board games, ping pong tables, and drums for music-lovers.
Some other U-pick operations have petting zoos. Carol Murphy of Murphy Orchards in Burt, NY added one after her customers kept wanting to see farm animals.
Picking fruit can be hungry work. By providing dining facilities, or selling food and drinks, these operations can capture extra sales. Murphy added a tearoom, which has become a popular place for tourists. Elderberry Pond Farm, a certified organic farm in Auburn, NY, specializes in heirloom apples. These are sold through their CSA, at their farm store, and farmers' market stands in the area. Owners Louis and Merby Lego are in the process of adding an upscale restaurant to their operation. It will serve their farm-fresh produce prepared by their son, a trained chef.
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