Meet Andrea and Jerry Pipitone

Welcome to Pipitone Farms

 Andrea and Jerry Pipitone have adhered to strictly organic practices since 1978, certified first with Tilth Producers, then with the Washington State Department of Agriculture. They own a productive five-acre orchard on the bench-land above the Columbia River in the little town of Rock Island. Here the abundant sunshine, cool waters of the Columbia, and the caring hands of the Pipitones grow wonderful apricots, garlic, Italian prunes, nectarines, peaches, peppers, tomatoes and shallots.

Jerry was the 2005 winner of Tilth Producers of Washington’s Farm of the Year Award. Both Andrea and Jerry have contributed greatly to the long-term health of their land, as well as the growing community of organic producers. Pipitone Farms' successful value-added processing program is a role model for small producers. Andrea manages this successful business venture. They process and market dehydrated organic fruit, very low-sugar jams, as well as hot pepper and garlic spreads.

Products Available

Certified organically grown apricots, garlic, Italian Prunes, nectarines, peaches, peppers, garlic, and shallots. Dehydrated fruit, jams, and garlic-pepper spreads.

Growing Philosophy

“I think it was the publishing of “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson that compelled many of us to take up this way of life. There’s a lot of personal satisfaction to what we do. Ninety percent of our customers are seeking organically grown products and we are sincerely thanked every market day for what we provide.”

--Jerry Pipitone

Keeping the Orchard Environment Balanced and Healthy

When walking through the orchard at Pipitone Farms one can see that tree and plant health and vigor are the primary focus. The Pipitones have raised the organic soil content from 1% to 3% since 1978, when they bought the orchard. On- farm composting, along the addition of some local horse manure and purchased chicken manure, has been the key. They keep a permanent cover crop of grasses and clover in between the rows of trees to hold moisture and prevent erosion.

Low Impact and Friendly Pest Management

Jerry has increased his orchard’s capacity to producer- beneficial insects that prey on pests. He has also installed a bird house for swallows that do a good job of capturing flying insects. This has reduced pest pressure significantly over the past 19 years. And of course, any time that they do need to use additional means to control pests, only certified organic materials are used.

A Place for Wildlife

Pipitone Farms is bordered on one side by a small lake which is part of the Columbia River system. Their property adjoins a wildlife zone established by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. This area is an oasis of native trees, shrubs, and grasses, harboring an abundance of mammals, bird, amphibian, and reptile life.