How one Sacramento Delta pear orchard continues a century of farming legacy

A Sacramento River Delta pear orchard with roots dating back to the 1880s continues to demonstrate the resilience and heritage of California’s pear industry.

River Pear Orchards, a 45-acre operation near Walnut Grove, California, is owned by Doug and Jane Dickson, who purchased the property in 2012 after pursuing a longtime dream of owning a pear orchard. While relatively new to Delta pear farming, the Dicksons brought decades of agricultural experience and a commitment to preserving one of the region’s historic orchards.

Located along the Sacramento River, the orchard has produced pears for well over a century. In the early days of the Delta pear industry, fruit was harvested by hand, packed into wooden boxes and transported by boat to San Francisco markets via the river. Today, Bartlett and Bosc pears remain the primary varieties grown on the ranch.

The Dicksons emphasize stewardship and preservation of the land, viewing themselves as caretakers of an orchard that has been passed through generations of growers. The property’s long history of fruit production is attributed to careful management and ongoing attention to tree health.

A key contributor to the operation’s continued success is foreman Carlos Cortez, who has worked at the ranch for more than 25 years. Managing approximately 13,000 pear trees, Cortez’s familiarity with the orchard has helped maintain productivity and fruit quality despite the challenges facing California pear growers.

The operation combines organic and conventional production practices while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability, food safety and long-term orchard viability. According to management, preserving mature trees and employing environmentally conscious farming methods are central to its mission.

River Pear Orchards represents a small but important part of California’s pear-growing legacy. The Sacramento River Delta remains the heart of the state’s pear industry, producing the majority of California’s pears and supporting generations of family farms.

Read the full story: https://www.calpear.com/river-pear-orchards/