Stemilt Growers and Farmland LP have entered into a joint venture to expand organic apple and cherry production in Washington’s Columbia Basin. This partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to regenerative agriculture, premium fruit quality, and long-term land stewardship, and it marks an important milestone for Fund III.
Details on the Joint Venture
The joint venture includes 952 acres across seven apple and cherry orchards in one of North America’s most productive tree fruit regions. Of this acreage, 311 acres are already certified organic, and 272 are transitioning to organic. Over the coming years, more than 580 acres will be certified organic, strengthening the supply of high-value fruit while building long-term soil health through regenerative farming practices.
Why We Partnered with Stemilt
Stemilt is one of the nation’s leading organic tree fruit companies, with a vertically integrated platform that spans orchard management, post-harvest logistics, and national retail distribution. Founded in 1964, the family-owned company has been at the forefront of sustainable and organic farming practices since 1989.
By combining Farmland LP’s regenerative farmland investment model with Stemilt’s operating expertise and retail relationships, this partnership ensures aligned incentives from the soil to the supermarket shelf. Together, we are enhancing price stability, fruit quality, and early-stage revenue visibility for Fund III.
What It Means for Fund III
For Fund III investors, this joint venture demonstrates our ability to:
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Secure high-quality permanent crop assets at compelling valuations.
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Expand regional diversification with a strategic foothold in central Washington.
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Deliver long-term value creation through organic transition and regenerative management.
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Partner with best-in-class operators whose scale and market access reduce risk and accelerate growth.
This is the third investment in Fund III, following Riverwood Farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and our award-winning Delta Acres acquisition in California’s San Joaquin Delta. Together, these investments bring the Fund III portfolio to more than 4,700 acres across key West Coast regions.
What Happens Next
The orchards are now under Stemilt’s management, with Farmland LP overseeing land use, organic transition, and regenerative standards. Development plans include bringing additional acreage into organic production over the next several years and replanting select blocks with high-flavor, organic-ready varieties.
Fund III remains open to new commitments through December 31, 2025. If you’d like to learn more about Fund III or our partnership with Stemilt, please contact us at irteam@farmlandlp.com.