Clark Brothers Orchard
Aaron Clark didn’t plan on being an apple grower. He grew up on the western Massachusetts dairy and apple farm near Ashfield that has been in his family for four generations, but went off to college and then into retail sporting goods. His brother Dana took over managing and running the farm with his father.

Aaron returned home a few years ago to apply his retail experience to the farm’s payroll system. He stayed for another project, and then another. Eventually, Dana took a sabbatical and Aaron found himself in charge. With characteristic determination and the help of a few long time employees, he learned more about pruning, mowing, fertilizing and harvesting in a few years than he had his entire childhood.

Today, Clark Brothers Orchards produces some of the best local apples in the region. Their 65-acre orchard, in an area known as Apple Valley, produces over 50 varieties: popular apples like McIntosh and Cortland, newer varieties like Honey Crisp and Gala, and a few that date back for centuries like Black Gilliflower and Esopus Sptizenberg. Every part of the orchard is infused with the Clark family history of care and stewardship, carried on by Aaron and Dana.

The Apple Valley area is graced with a combination of soil conditions, cool climate, and high elevation especially well suited for apples. And the location is perfect for another reason. “Because we’re local, we can let the fruit stay on the tree longer for better firmness, color and taste,” Aaron notes.

Clark Brothers is certified as part of Red Tomato’s Eco Apple program. The Clarks started using Integrated Pest Management systems nearly 20 years ago because they wanted to use the least amount of chemicals possible. Aaron believes most small farmers feel the same way—“you know, we live here,” he says. In the tough business of produce, the Eco Apple program is helping Clark Brothers find new markets for their exceptional fruit.

Clark Brothers Orchard supplies Red Tomato with Eco Apples. Visit their website at www.applevalleyapples.com