The River Valley Organics Story
Apple in the Orchard
Putting Down Roots in the Okanogan Valley
Apple and George Otte grew up on different coasts—she on the west and he on the east—but they connected in Santa Cruz in the 1970s.
And, like a lot of young people at the time, they were looking for something different. Along with some friends, they made their way to the Okanogan Valley, taking jobs in the fruit orchards, along with other seasonal workers.
Apple, named before she became an orchardist, was never a very good picker. One day, up on a ladder, she saw a group of young children coming through the trees and realized she’d much rather be on the ground with them. All of the kids were from the local Head Start, and she began volunteering until a teaching position became available.
Working the Land
George on a tractor. Photo credit Kenneth Kailing, Good Food World
Meanwhile, George continued to work in the valley fruit farms, learning about different growing methods and techniques, and earning a reputation as a highly skilled orchardist.
They had long grown their own large organic garden, and in 1997, Apple and George purchased the very orchard they had first picked in over two decades earlier.
They began the work of converting the orchard to organic, which is a minimum three-year process in Washington state. Part of the process was grafting over 1800 trees.
Offering Samples at the PCC
Going to Market
“Our favorite reward is passing out samples in the stores and hearing all the wonderful comments about our fruit,” Apple said.
Growing organically takes time and commitment, and the Ottes realized early on that if the farm was going to survive, they would have to have much more control over the growing, harvesting, and selling of their fruit than they would be able to get through a traditional packing warehouse.
As an orchard that is small by industry standards, they were able to pack and sell their own fruit, working directly with Northwest retailers.
Creating A Legacy
Rory Otte Rory with Apple and George
Apple & George with daughter Aloe, 1979 Apple, Rory, and Kevan, c. 1990
The Ottes—in addition to apples, cherries, and pears—also raised three children.
What started as a temporary apple harvesting job has now turned into a multi-generational family business.
The Otte’s daughter Aloe, and their sons Rory, and Kevan have all worked in the orchard; today brothers Rory and Kevan run some of the daily operations, but you can still find Apple and George among the fruit trees.
This is a marker
Apple examining Lapins cherries