Tucked into the hills of rural Hood River, Poole Family Farms has found its niche growing fresh produce, including mouthwatering cherries that ripen on the tree every summer. As one of our valued Dig Local partners, Poole Family Farms is a small family business fully focused on growing the sweetest produce possible. “We started planting cherries when I was just a youngster. Our family fell in love over the years, being able to provide that local and fresh connection to customers,” says Adam Poole, who oversees the farm’s produce sales. “It’s a challenging business to be in, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Founded in 1946 by grandparents Denton and Gladys Poole, the homestead and orchard grew to include a wide variety of produce-producing trees. Adam’s parents, Don and Cindy Poole, took over the farm in 1979 and are still actively involved in the farm’s operations.

You might say business is mushrooming at The Mushroomery farm in the foothills of the Cascades in Lebanon, Oregon. Since Jennifer Macone and Dustin Olsen started their business in 2004, they’ve seen interest grow in mushrooms and their company’s wide variety of tasty morsels. “Dustin and I met through the love of mushrooms,” Jennifer says. “When we started our farm, mushrooms weren’t being cultivated as much for the varieties we’re growing, so I wanted to provide those to people because I consider them not only delicious, but extremely healthy.” Mushrooms are prized not only for a rich, earthy flavor that many enjoy but for their medicinal properties, as well. They’re also a good source of B vitamins, and studies have shown they have anti-inflammatory effects.