Gary Larsen – Washington State, Green Asparagus
Larsen Farms is located on 1000 acres in the south central region of Franklin County, Washington, the very southern end of the fertile Columbia Basin irrigation project. Water for irrigation is diverted from the Grand Coulee Dam approximately 160 miles to the north.
The rich, volcanic soil and ample water supply make this region ideal for cultivating a variety of crops, notably asparagus, potatoes, sweet corn, field corn, wheat and alfalfa.
Gary’s father, Wayne started Larsen Farms in the late 1950s. Gary heads up the asparagus operation while his brother Bart is oversees the potato side of the farm. They share responsibility for the other crops.
Gary has earned a reputation as a top grower of asparagus in the state. He is recognized as having the highest average yield in the state season after season. As a result of his techniques and highly specialized growing practices, he is able to harvest twice a day to achieve this goal.
Larsen, age 50, and his wife have two children. When not cultivating the high-quality asparagus for Gourmet Trading Company that Larsen Farms is known for, Gary is involved within the community as a volunteer fireman for Franklin County for the last 20-plus years and as a hockey coach during the winter.
Buck Klein – California, Blueberries and Superblues
Buck Klein oversees 125 acres of blueberries in the town of Shafter, California. If you’re headed up the Central Valley north on Highway 99 from Los Angeles to Fresno, you’ll pass Shafter after Bakersfield and before you reach Delano. The farm, known as Gourmet Blueberry California, is nestled between pistachio, pomegranate and citrus orchards.
Buck has been farming since 1972 after completing college. He has experience with a variety of crops including cotton, wheat, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, melons and from 1972 to this day, pistachios. Recognizing opportunity, Buck first plated blueberries in 2003. As a director of the California Blueberry Association, he’s been active in promoting the goals of the organization which include establishing legitimacy to the California Blueberry Industry, dealing with state issues, facilitating grower communications and marketing communications
The fruit that Buck cultivates is unique because three varieties make up 95% of the farm. The resulting berries are extremely large and flavorful. The farm produces some of the earliest production in California, perfect for meeting the demand of consumers eager for blueberry season to start. The farm contains about 2.5 acres of plastic hoops which help start the young berries and protect them to ensure an abundant crop.
Ramiro Valdivia – Preu, Green and White Asparagus
Ramiro Valdivia oversees the farming at Green Perú S.A, located in Trujillo, Peru. Green Perú S.A. is an Agricultural Company dedicated to the cultivation of products for export. The company was founded in 1999 and has been a strong partner with Gourmet Trading Company for almost as long.
The Green Peru S.A. farm produces white and green asparagus, avocados and artichokes. Ramiro grows fresh white and green asparagus for Gourmet Trading Company as well as some European clients.
Ramiro and Green Perú S.A. feel that to succeed in business, there also has to be a focus on social responsibility, food safety and the environment. The company backs up its strict food safety procedures with fully implemented HAACP. It is also recognized by other international protocols of good Agricultural Practices, such as US. GAP and EUREPGAP certifications.