From Orchard to Classroom: Rainier Fruit’s Commitment to Pollinator and People

What does it look like when a company's values run as deep as their roots? For Rainier Fruit Company — a sixth-generation family operation and one of the largest organic fruit grower-packers in the United States — the answer lives in 325 acres of native wildflower corridors, hedgerows, and pollinator habitat across Eastern Washington. But their commitment doesn't stop there. As a nine-year donor to Whole Foods Market Foundation, Rainier invests in the programs that teach the next generation why pollinators matter — connecting the health of the land to the health of our children.

This National Pollinator Month, we're proud to celebrate a partner whose generosity grows impact from the orchard to the classroom.

Building Habitat That Works

Rainier Fruit initially installed pollinator habitat alongside their organic fruit acreage. The results were so compelling — healthier ecosystems, reduced pest pressure, stronger yields — that they expanded the approach across conventional acreage as well. Today, the company manages 325 acres certified to the Bee Better Standard, creating corridors of native wildflowers and hedgerows designed to support beneficial insects year-round. 

"The habitat led to an increase in population and diversity of natural enemies and pollinators. And the natural enemies managed to control the pest population." — Teah Smith, Entomologist and Consultant, Rainier Fruit 

Transforming Palm Oil Production 

Over 35% of Liberia's palm fruit go un-harvested every year. During processing, smallholders suffer an additional 50% oil loss due to inefficient manual processing techniques. Get to know more about palm oil production and J-Palm Liberia’s approach here. 

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