As keen foragers we are always looking for new ways to learn from the natural world around us. U-pick farms and open orchards are the ideal way to get hands on with the landscape and learn about some fruit growing techniques. U Pick farms offer the surrounding community the chance to get to know their farmers. With a U-pick farm you can get up close and personal with the local produce, the production process and the scale of the operations for various types of fruits and vegetables.
When I was in Canada it amazed me how close the local people were to the orchards around them. It was a joy to simply head out to a local orchard at the weekend and pick away until you had enough fruit to fill you for a month. The idea of the U-pick farm is simple, you go to the farm of your choice nearby your location and pay for whatever you pick on the day. Instead of stealing the apples from an orchard, you are invited onto the grounds to choose your very own produce.
Benefits of U-Pick Farms for Orchard Owners
- Showcase your best, local produce
- Build brand awareness
- Develop Community Relationships
- Show off and sell fresh fruit
- Demonstrate the Value of Produce
- Make the most of harvest season
When I first returned to Ireland I approached some fruit farmers about the U Pick idea and although interested they dismissed it as their current production process was working and they were worried that people would steal the fruit as they picked. I suppose scale is important here and if you are counting every last piece of fruit to achieve your revenue at the end of the year then you wouldn’t be open to anyone taking a bite out of your tree.
However, we should be open to discussing this trend and orchards across Europe have already embraced this model as a way to interact with their customers and build their brand reputation. I have already mentioned some of the benefits of U-Pick farms but here is a solid list of reasons why U-pick farms are a part of our future and why going to a U-pick farm can be a fun activity for all of the family.
Reasons to Visit a U-Pick Farm with Family and Friends
- Support local business
- Learn about Local Produce
- Make New Friends
- Enjoy Fresh Fruit
- Discover the Joy of Picking
- Get back to Nature
Studies have now proved that spending time in natural environments gives us a positive boost in energy and allows us space to gather our thoughts.