Douglas Fruit Company, one of the largest stone fruit growers and packers in Washington State, is aiming to convert most of its production of peaches, nectarines, apricots, and Pluots to organic by 2009. The company packs fruit from several outside growers, as well as from its own orchards, and all but one are transitioning to organic, said Manager Jill Douglas. Douglas said the switch was prompted by the growing demand from retailers for natural and organic products. It also is an attempt to differentiate Washington stone fruits from the huge volumes produced in California. “We thought it would give us […]