Root 24 Farms ready to market first fresh blueberry crop

A new Washington organic blueberry company is marketing its first fresh crop.

Root 24 Farms, Moxee City, Wash., has 650 acres of organic production, with “many more” in transition to organic, according to a news release.

“Our name comes from the fact that we’re deeply rooted in the land and that our two growing regions — Moxee and Othello — are each at opposite ends of Route 24, which traverses the heart of Washington — crossing the Columbia River to link our two farms,” Tim Youmans, executive vice president of sales and marketing, said in the release.

Youmans has an extensive background in berries, with more than 18 years at Driscoll’s, including vice president of sales.

Root 24 is a new company and brand, but the berries are from established production; the growers previously supplied other brands.

The company also markets frozen, dried and powdered blueberries, allowing it to be selective when packing for the fresh market. The blueberries are available in six-ounce dry pints and 18-ounce and 2-pound clamshells. The company also has a 6-ounce jumbo pack.

The company’s fresh berry window is from late June through early August.

“Our geography is unique and our season is relatively short,” Youmans said in the release. “We have matched varieties with ideal consumer flavor attributes to the land we grow on and to our organic farming system. We have tried to view varietal selection holistically and always with a focus on a true blueberry flavor experience that drives consumer consumption.

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