About Coast Fork Farm
Coast Fork Farm lies along the banks of the Coast Fork of the Willamette River just north of Cottage Grove, Oregon. On 12 acres of prime farmland, we grow 13 varieties of certified organic table grapes, four varieties of blueberries, five varieties of raspberries, and five varieties of blackberries. We also grow sweet red and yellow cherries. Until the 2022 growing season, all fruit other than grapes was cultivated conventionally. Since July 2022 we have used only organic farming methods for all of our fruit. Our caneberries, blueberries, and cherries will be eligible for organic certification in 2025.
The farm was created in 2007 by former owner Mike Satterstrom, a visionary UC Davis educated farmer who moved to Oregon late in life after decades farming in California’s Central Valley. Recognizing an opportunity to supply consumers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond with specialty fruit that was otherwise unavailable in the market, Mike and his vineyard manager Jose Soto selected fruit varietals notable for their sweetness, distinctive flavors, and luxurious textures. Between 2007 and 2009, they meticulously laid out four planting blocks, built irrigation and trellising infrastructure, and planted thousands of vines and plants.
Mike and Jose worked the farm together for the next 15 years. In 2021, Mike passed away. The following year his family sold the farm to Ed and Wendy Aro, who now operate it with their adult children and Jose and his family. Today, the Sotos and Aros are continuing and improving on Mike Satterstrom’s vision by working with organic farming experts and Oregon State University to improve the farm’s organic plant health program, implementing new food safety practices, and positioning the farm to thrive in a warming world. They are also dedicated to maintaining and improving the farm’s biodiversity for the benefit of the raptors, bees, bats, and other creatures who inhabit the farm’s magical surroundings.