Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/616629
38 JANUARY 1, 2016 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com LAST BITE More Young Growers at goodfruit.com/yg Catherine Kiyokawa grower / Parkdale, Oregon age / 21 crops / Pears, apples, cherries, peaches, blueberries, kiwi business / Kiyokawa Orchards family background / Catherine is a fourth-generation farmer. Her grandfather, Mamoru Kiyokawa, started growing tree fruit on the farm. Catherine works closely with her father, Randy, and older brother Cameron. " " " " " What was your path to farming? When I went to college, I majored in business because our farm continues to expand. At the time I believed having a business degree would be a useful tool for me to have on the farm. Not including the accounting, it was really good to learn how the everyday business functions work. What projects would you recommend other young growers take on? Defi nitely the technology aspect of the farm. Some farmers don't even use texting or computers. There's tech out there that can help them, like online spray records, GlobalGAP record keeping — you have to document everything. What are your goals? I'm learning how to take on projects like our Global- GAP and Tilth certifi cations. I'm learning how to docu- ment everything including regulations, organic farm management, auditors and studying manuals. It's taken a lot of time. How do farmers' markets work into your job? My dad got this grand idea that we should go into this farmers' market one season. Even if it was just a one-time market, we just did it. We wanted to get our fruit out there. Now we are doing 26 different farmers' markets. It's been a challenge. Some markets have very specifi c requirements. The farmers' markets have really helped during poor seasons. Did you see yourself returning to the farm? Dad didn't want us to use the farm as a crutch, however, I knew that I would not get a lifestyle like this just anywhere. I love harvest time when my family comes together. It's something that you just can't get anywhere else. " It's really important to stay up to date with technology because everything's digital. PLAY goodfruit.com/yg scan to watch the interview www.gslong.com SPONSORED BY by TJ Mullinax More from this interview and other Young Growers at goodfruit.com/yg.