Starting a business is never easy, let alone one in agriculture. It requires strength of character that David Jackson, Owner/Farmer of Family Tree Farms, possesses in spades.
He founded the company 25 years ago with his sons, Daniel and Rick, and son-in-law Andy Muxlow. Since its inception, dedication to flavor and innovation has helped Family Tree Farms blossom from a humble Central California operation to a global network, with farms in the United States, South America, and South Africa.
As Family Tree Farms celebrates its 25th year in business, the founding vision continues to inform each decision the company makes as it builds a generational legacy.
David Jackson, Owner/Farmer, Family Tree Farms: Reaching 25 years is incredibly meaningful for our family. Farming is never easy, and every season brings new challenges. This milestone really represents the hard work of so many people—our growers, employees, partners, and customers who have believed in what we’re building.
For me personally, it’s also about family. Farming runs deep in our roots, going back eight generations. Seeing the next generation involved and helping to lead the company forward is something that I’m very thankful for. This anniversary is not just about looking back at what we’ve accomplished, but about continuing to build something that will last for years to come.
DJ: When we started Family Tree Farms 25 years ago, our goal was simple: grow great fruit and take care of the people around us. Over the years, that vision has grown into something much bigger than ever imagined. What began as a small stonefruit venture has expanded into a global farming operation with strong blueberry and stonefruit programs and trusted partnerships around the world.
The biggest growth has come from our commitment to flavor and innovation. Early on, we made the decision to invest heavily in research and development (R&D), working with breeders and testing varieties from around the world to find fruit that truly stands out. That focus has helped us build programs that retailers and consumers trust for quality and taste.
DJ: Family Tree Farms continues to grow both domestically and internationally. Our blueberry program has expanded significantly, with farming operations in Peru and Mexico, along with development work in Ecuador and Chile. This allows us to provide a more consistent, year-round supply while maintaining the quality standards we are known for.
At the same time, we are continuing to explore additional commodities and opportunities around the world. Whether it’s new varieties of stonefruit, berries, or other fruits, our focus remains the same: finding the best-tasting fruit possible and delivering it to families everywhere.
"What began as a small stonefruit venture has expanded into a global farming company with strong blueberry and stonefruit programs and trusted partnerships around the world."
-David Jackson, Owner/Farmer, Family Tree Farms
DJ: Farming teaches you humility very quickly. Weather, labor, logistics, and changing market conditions are challenges we face every year. But those challenges are also what push us to keep improving and adapting.
One of our biggest successes has been staying committed to flavor and innovation. The research and development work we’ve invested in over the years has allowed us to bring new varieties to market that truly differentiate themselves. Watching customers and consumers respond to those varieties is incredibly rewarding and reminds us why we do what we do.
DJ: Our blueberry program continues to be one of the fastest-growing parts of the business. We’re expanding acreage, improving our variety mix, and strengthening our global growing regions to support increasing demand. The goal is always the same: to produce blueberries with exceptional flavor and quality while ensuring a reliable year-round supply for our retail partners. By investing in new genetics and expanding our international footprint, we’re positioning ourselves to continue growing significantly in the years ahead.
Humility is as much a part of David’s character as it is for everyone employed at Family Tree Farms. The company’s vision to bring delicious fruit to people around the globe is made possible by these individuals, each making a choice to grow fruit that benefits my family, your family, and theirs.
And that might be what David is most proud of: that the fruit connects us all. 
