Meet Our Grower Partner
Cal-Ore Produce
Cal-Ore Produce was founded in 1976 by a small group of family farmers in the Klamath Basin. There are currently 5 different farms growing organic potatoes for Cal-Ore Produce.
These farms are Staunton Farms, Crawford Farms, Panhandle West (Jim and Jake Baley), Bob Baley Farms, and Lynman Farms. Most of these farms have been passed from generation to generation, including Staunton and Crawford, which are both fourth generation farms.
Many of the Cal-Ore growers are involved in a program called Walking Wetlands. Historically, the Klamath Basin has been a massive wetland and vital habitat for migrating birds. This project incorporates a wetland period in the crop rotation cycle.
The program works by intentionally flooding 75-100 acre block of land for periods of 1-3 years, then moving the water to a new parcel and using the previously flooded land for agriculture. Since the start of this program there has been an increase of 50-75% in the waterfowl population and they have seen better water quality in the Klamath Basin and downstream. The wetlands have also benefited the farms by improving soil conditions, providng natural fertilizer, and suppressing weeds and pests.
Each potato coming from Cal-Ore produce begins its journey on one of these family farms where not only are the potatoes a priority, but also the environment of the Klamath Basin. Learn more at caloreproduce.com.