Still a U-Pick, the historic Cascadian Home Farm is now an educational nonprofit

 

The historic property formerly known as Cascadian Home Farm is set to open its fields to the public for u-pick berries in mid-June. A beloved destination for tourists and local residents traveling along Highway 20, the idyllic farm is nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Skagit River.

Founded in 1972, the site is the birthplace of the Cascadian Farm brand of grocery products. While the Cascadian Farm brand quickly outgrew the Home Farm, it had remained a working organic farm and hosted visitors at the farm stand for over 50 years until General Mills took it over in 2000.

In 2022, the property was donated to the Rodale Institute, a global agricultural and education nonprofit.

“We look forward to welcoming people to the Rodale Institute Pacific Northwest Organic Center at Cascadian Farm for u-pick this season,” said Jeff Tkach, CEO at Rodale Institute.

U-pick strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry fields will be open Friday through Sunday, 8 am to 4 pm during the growing season, which will run from mid-June through August, dependent on crop availability.

Farm tours will be offered every Friday from June through August from 10 am to 11:30 am. Tours will focus on the history of the farm, Rodale Institute, and regenerative organic farming practices.

Visit www.rodaleinstitute.org/PNW and www.rodaleinstitute.org/u-pick/ to learn more about u-pick and register for a farm tour.

Beyond u-pick, the Rodale Institute Pacific Northwest Organic Center will serve as a regional resource for farmers interested in utilizing regenerative organic farming practices.

Pacific Northwest farmers face many challenges related to unpredictable climate—extreme heat, wildfire, smoke, drought, and flooding—impacting both the health and financial wellbeing of farmers, farm workers, and farm economies. The region’s organic farmers are in need of guidance on research-based practices that allow them to adapt to extreme weather events while improving soil health and successfully managing pests and diseases. The Center will help farmers navigate these challenges by conducting regionally focused research, providing training and direct farmer consulting services, and serving as a demonstration and education hub.

For up-to-date information on u-pick, visit https://rodaleinstitute.org/about/facilities-and-campuses/regional-resource-centers/pacific-northwest-organic-center-washington/.