Almar Orchards

The apple orchards of Almar Orchards have been in Jim Koan's family for 55 years. Jim has been working the 250 acres of land for the past 30 years and has gotten a lot of help along the way from his wife, Karen, and their five children: Monique (24), Michele (22), Zack (19), Mignon (17) and Jacob (15). The farm was been certified organic five years ago by Organic Growers of Michigan.

Each family member has an important multifunctional role in the production and sale of the annual 40,000 bushels of apples and cider. There is also the responsibility of working the farm market, which is open year-round on the family land. Karen's sisters handle much of the administrative end of things: Kathy Weller keeps the books, Janice Duso manages retail sales, while Beth Duso oversees sales and school tours.

Although Almar Orchards is focused on the production of apples, vegetables, apple cider and hard cider, they have enough animal friends to pass for a zoo! Their farm is considered home by numerous dogs, cats, birds, sheep, goats, llamas, reindeer, horses, pigs, exotic chickens, and turkeys, among others!

Why is growing organic a priority for your family?
I have been growing organically for eight years. It was a natural evolutionary progression that started 30 years ago. I started out trying to push against Mother Nature. As I learned, I evolved to work with her and the wonderful bounty she can provide.

What is your favorite part of being an organic farmer?
Each year there is another round of opportunities to learn and observe how the intricate pieces and balances of Mother Nature interplay.

What is your least favorite part?
All of the necessary paperwork!

Why should people buy organic products instead of other options?
Most of the organic produce grown in the US comes from family farms, whereas conventionally grown food comes mostly from large industrialized farms. If the sustainable organic farms aren't supported, then these family farms will be lost forever.

Why is your farm special?
It's the same story told over and over again: Conventional farmer learns to respect his environment; gets smarter and continues producing food but without damaging the environment. All organic farms are special for that reason.

Where do you want your business to be in the next year? 5 years? 10 years?
The same size or smaller. I hope that the farm doesn't have to produce more to maintain profitability. In most other businesses you have to get bigger or get out.

Where can consumers get your products?
Almar Orchards has a farm market that is open all year round. Our cider and apples are also available at some retail outlets, including Whole Foods Market.

For more information on Almar Orchards, call the Koans at 810-659-6568, or click here to send an email.