EZ Orchards, Salem

The diverse Willamette Valley is a fertile land for agricultural production and home for the bulk of Oregon's population. Bridging the gap between urban and rural takes a special marketing effort that includes offering a high-quality product with a memorable consumer experience. EZ Orchards of Salem does it as well as anyone. The orchards and other local farms produce the great taste, the market and all its activities create the experience.

EZ Orchards is the definition of the Oregon family farm. The Zielinksi Family has been selling local fruits and vegetables in the Salem area for decades. Now a fourth-generation farm, EZ Orchards has taken the next step of adding value to their products– not only through processing, but by making the operation a destination for adults and kids year round.

It starts with the production itself. The Zielinskis are experts at growing apples, pears, peaches, pumpkins, and corn. At their market, what they don't grow themselves, they bring in from neighboring local farms. EZ Orchards understands that you don't get very far if you can't start with a high-quality crop to begin with.

Certainly, marketing these products fresh is a key part of the business. The seasonal flavors of EZ Orchards bring in numerous customers to the farm market. They are able to choose among a variety of fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables. These offerings can also be found in some of the area's retail stores interested in promoting locally grown.

EZ Orchards also processes these delicious raw products into  goods that are offered at the store and as part of various gift baskets. Jams, jellies, preserves, butters, and other quality gourmet products proudly carry the EZ Orchards name.

There are also a variety of herbs and flowers that make EZ Orchards a truly well rounded agricultural one-stop shop. Shortcakes, sundaes, milkshakes, smoothies, floats, even donuts. You name it, it's probably there at the farm store. But perhaps what separates EZ Orchards from others is the hands-on experiences and memories it creates through Harvestfest and other opportunities for visitors who come to the farm.

October is Harvestfest month at EZ Orchards, and has been for a dozen years. The idea is to bring people closer to the farm through features and activities that are just plain fun. There are corn mazes and hay rides. There are pumpkin patches and petting zoos. School tours are popular, and how fun it is to be part of a pie eating contest. A day at EZ Orchards has something for everyone.

It all goes back to growing a high-quality product and doing something special with it. The Zielinski Family has made farming an experience for all to enjoy, whether it is the consumer taking a bite of a juicy piece of fruit or the kindergartner getting making first contact with agriculture. As the Zielinksis say, the combination of geography, history, and heritage has produced a bounty that the family is proud to share.

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These are authentic stories from real farmers.  Any editorial content does not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the Agri-Business Council of Oregon or our members.