Produce News | 9 September 2025Stemilt, Farmland LP launch joint venture, expand organic orchardsby West MathisonThe venture includes 952 acres across seven orchards, of which 311 acres are certified organic, and 272 acres are in transition to organic over the next four years. Farmland LP will guide organic transition and land management, and Stemilt will serve as farm manager and post-harvest lead. “This joint venture adds to our ability to deliver high-flavor, organic fruit with consistency,” said West Mathison, president of Stemilt Growers. “With this joint venture, we are strengthening crop and regional diversification for our investors while expanding the supply of certified organic farmland to meet growing consumer demand.”This is the third investment for Farmland LP’s Vital Farmland III LLC (Fund III), which is expected to remain open to new commitments through Dec. 31. The Stemilt orchards introduce apples and cherries to Fund III, further diversifying the portfolio and bringing total holdings to more than 4,700 acres.