A Valley Legacy Rooted in Grit
For Daniel Jackson of Family Tree Farms, farming isn’t just a business — it’s a family legacy dating back to the Great Depression. His grandfather, Herschel Jackson, arrived in California from Tennessee in 1933 with little more than hope and grit. Starting as a laborer in Orosi, Herschel worked vineyards and saved enough to bring his wife west, planting the seeds of what would become a multi-generational farming dynasty based in Kingsburg and Reedley, California.
From Farmhands to Founders
With a foundation built by sacrifice and resilience, Herschel mortgaged his home to help his children start their own farming ventures. By 2000, the Jacksons transitioned from purely growing crops to also packing and selling them, launching Family Tree Farms. Daniel recalls his father’s pivotal words: “We’re either going to be boys or men,” urging the family to evolve into a vertically integrated operation.
Stone Fruit: High Risk, High Reward
Family Tree Farms took a bold step into the stone fruit market — peaches, nectarines, plums — despite its perishability and short shelf life. This was no accident. Daniel credits smart timing, varietal innovation, and export demand — particularly from Taiwan — for their early success. His father’s comeback from financial hardship in the 1980s led to planting new white flesh varieties that helped reestablish the family business during a critical time.
Innovation through Genetics
Recognizing the need to compete in a fast-moving market, Family Tree Farms became a pioneer in tree fruit genetics. They hired a dedicated director of research and began collecting and trialing varieties from around the world. Today, their season stretches from April through October — a feat made possible by genetics tailored to California’s San Joaquin Valley.
Blueberries Take the Spotlight
While their roots lie in stone fruit, Family Tree Farms has become just as — if not more — well-known for blueberries. A chance meeting in Spain led to a partnership with Australian breeder Ridley Bell of Mountain Blue Orchards. The collaboration brought world-class genetics to Family Tree Farms, with blueberries now harvested year-round in California, Peru, Mexico, and Florida. With each clamshell bearing the Family Tree name, the brand now enjoys consistent consumer recognition.
Massive Scale, Global Footprint
Today, Family Tree Farms moves between 160 to 180 million pounds of fresh produce annually. That figure is expected to approach 200 million pounds soon, thanks to growth in international production and partnerships with outside growers to meet demand. The farm operates globally — in Mexico, Peru, the U.S., and South Africa — with 80% of production still company-owned.
Navigating Tariffs and Trade
The global nature of the business means navigating complex tariff landscapes. While tariffs pose challenges, Daniel sees diversification as key. Trade policy with China and Peru has impacted certain markets, but opportunities elsewhere — like Mexico — help balance the risk. Strategic adaptability remains central to Family Tree Farms’ success.
Water Policy and Future Challenges
Despite popular belief, Daniel notes that west side farmers — including himself — have sometimes adapted better to California’s water regulations than those on the east side. Constantly changing SGMA (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act) rules have created instability, particularly for “white land” areas dependent on wells. That uncertainty is pushing operations like Family Tree Farms to continue investing abroad while still maintaining their California roots.
A Multigenerational Commitment
Now into its third generation, Family Tree Farms is more than a company name — it’s a lived reality. Ten to eleven third-generation Jacksons are involved in various parts of the business, ensuring continuity and honoring the values handed down from Herschel Jackson.
Educating the Public, Protecting the Future
Daniel emphasized the need to educate non-farmers and policymakers about agriculture’s vital role. He warns that bad water policy, not resource scarcity, could undermine America’s food security. With 70% of U.S. fruit and 50% of vegetables grown in California, losing acreage would force dependence on foreign suppliers for nutrition.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Season
Thanks to a wet winter and a mild spring, 2025 looks strong for both stone fruit and blueberries. Daniel praised the exceptional quality of this year’s harvest, attributing flavor and size to favorable growing conditions. He remains optimistic about the industry’s momentum, noting that camaraderie among growers is helping push the industry forward.
Final Thoughts
Daniel Jackson’s story is a powerful reminder that the American agricultural dream is alive and evolving. From Depression-era vineyards to international blueberry markets, Family Tree Farms continues to grow — not just in crops, but in legacy, innovation, and vision.
“As you get older, you’re either going to get bitter, or you’re going to get better. We’ve decided to get better.”
— Daniel Jackson, Family Tree Farms