Mar 6, 2020

Al Dietrich named Michigan Pomesters Fruit Person of the Year

The Michigan Pomesters co-hosted a reception with the Midwest Apple Improvement Association during the International Fruit Tree Association annual meeting in mid-February in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The social event was held in lieu of the Pomesters’ annual spring breakfast.

One of the highlights of the Pomesters annual meeting is to announce the Michigan Pomesters Fruit Person of the Year.

This year the award was presented to Al Dietrich. Dietrich operates Dietrich Orchards in Conklin, Michigan.

“Those of you who know Al appreciate his kind heart, generosity, infectious sense of humor and continued support of this industry,” the Pomesters said in a news release. “He has served on the Michigan Apple Committee board and the U.S. Apple Association board.  He was a previous chairman of  the Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association (MACMA) and also a recipient of the Michigan State Horticultural Society Distinguished Service Award. Thanks Al for everything you’ve done on the industry’s behalf.”

According to information on the Michigan Apple Committee’s website, Dietrich operation includes his wife Helen, sons Dan, Mitchell and Carl and daughters Kate, Grace and Laura. Dietrich Orchards was started by Al Dietrich’s great-great grandfather Joseph Dietrich five generations ago and the family business has remained intact ever since.  However, Al, his brother Joe and his cousins Mike and Jim, have split the business into two operations.  Al and his brother run Ridgeview Orchards and his cousins run Leo Dietrich and Sons. The two operations still operate through Dietrich Orchards, the packing, storing and shipping portion of the business.

Ridgeview Orchards continues to expand since Al joined in 1984 and now consists of more than 630 acres. Between the two farms there is more than 1,100 acres, 580 of which are apples. Both farms pack, store and ship all of their own apples, cherries and asparagus. They also do custom packing for other local growers.

Most of their fresh apples are sold through Ridgeview Produce.

– Gary Pullano, FGN Managing Editor