To complement Orchard View’s fast-moving growth, the top cherry farm has recently promoted Mike Omeg to lead its business operations department.
As director of the new department, Omeg brings extensive industry-specific experience and a passion for cherry farming, to a group focused on data analysis, safety and compliance while exploring potential opportunities for future development.
The promotion follows a 2018 partnership between Omeg, owner of Omeg Orchards, and Orchard View, although the relationship between the produce powerhouses dates back to 1923. Orchard View believes Omeg’s formal horticultural education, including a master’s in entomology from Oregon State University, and many years of cherry experience, will help inform the future direction of the company.
“Joining Orchard View has been an exciting opportunity for me to bring my knowledge and expertise to a professionally managed family farm,” Omeg said. “I have enjoyed helping the team meet the new challenges of a growing business and ever-changing cherry industry.”
Focusing on enhancing efficiency, volume and quality, Orchard View’s season is only an eight-week window, emphasizing the necessity of streamlining operations to meet increasing demand for their high-quality cherries, which are grown over approximately 3,200 acres.
“Throughout our long history, Orchard View always prefers to recruit from within, especially as our company continues on its growth trajectory,” Orchard View President Brenda Thomas said. “We are therefore proud to welcome Mike Omeg to the management team, and we are confident that he will help us navigate the increasingly complex considerations in the industry thanks to his multifaceted background.”
Orchard View and Oppy, a premier grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce around the world, celebrated 10 years of a fully integrated partnership last year, which utilizes the compelling value proposition of both industry leaders.
About Orchard View Cherries
Tucked away on protected hillsides along the Columbia River Gorge, Orchard View Cherries grow plump and flavorful. For four generations, the Bailey family has perfected the art of cherry growing. Under the guidance of Walter and Mabel Bailey’s great-granddaughter Brenda Thomas, roughly 10,000 tons of preferred cherry varieties are grown annually on over 3,200 acres. Orchard View is unique in that it grows only cherries, unlike many other producers in the region who grow numerous other items, so it can channel specific expertise into unsurpassed cherry flavor and eating experience.
Thanks to excellent fruit quality and proprietary View Fresh modified atmosphere system, Orchard View Cherries are highly sought-after domestically and in numerous export markets.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for more than 160 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit. Go to oppy.com to learn more.
