2. Klamath Basin Fresh Direct, LLC (KBFD) is a neighborly cooperative of family farms. We work
together to sustain our community and local environment by growing and selling high-quality
organic potatoes. We offer our customers the personal service and pride of our family farmers
with the scale and professionalism demanded by the largest buyers. KBFD is comprised of 17
Klamath Basin shareholders, all of whom recognize the importance of sustainability and have
made a commitment to dedicating a portion of their production to growing premium organic
potatoes. The majority of these family-based farms and ag-related businesses date back three
and four generations in the community. Our core mission is to produce a premium organic potato
while enhancing the environmental and economic stability of the rural Klamath Basin now and for
future generations.
Climatic and geologic features in the Klamath Basin create a perfect environment for the production
of high-quality organic produce. Situated at 4100 feet above sea level, the region is largely devoid
of pest and disease pressures that routinely plague most other production regions. Fertile
volcanic and lake bottom soils coupled with nutrient-rich water from Upper Klamath Lake are the
foundation of our cropping system program. To ensure the continued productivity of these
resources, KBFD utilizes the most advanced sustainable farming methods available that include
organic crop rotation, using locally produced compost, and harvesting crops early to reduce
irrigation demand.
KBFD are proud partners in a unique initiative called the Walking Wetlands Project. Working in
concert with the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges our fields are rotated with seasonal
wetland marshes to improve seasonal habitat for thousands of migrating birds along the Pacific
Flyway. This practice allows migrating birds to have safe resting places and serves as a nesting
sanctuary on their journey. These practices also help organic farmers by recharging soils which
enable the sustainable production of organic potatoes.
