Meet the Ungers
Matt, Kathy & Will Unger
Unger FarmsMatt and Kathy Unger founded the current Unger Farm in Cornelius, Oregon in 1985, and through the years it has grown to 143 acres (+50 additional acres leased). Matt was born and raised nearby, and is a 4th generation Oregon farmer. Matt and Kathy currently grow around 45 acres worth of Oregon strawberries. The Hood strawberries are ripe in June, and Albion strawberries, a day neutral variety that produces ripe fruit from the end of May to October, carry them through the rest of the season. The farm is also home to 10 varieties of blueberries, 2 varieties of raspberries, and 4 varieties of blackberries. Unger Farms extends their fresh berry availability by choosing the right late harvest varieties but also by using tunnels to protect the plants from rain.
Growing and harvesting all these berries requires a dedicated crew. Unger Farms employs up to 100 people during peak season, and through the years, family members have joined the team full-time. Matt and Kathy’s son Will is working hard alongside his parents as a 5th generation farmer. Family and farm are so successfully intertwined for the Unger’s, that they were recognized in 2014 with an award for Excellence In Family Business – Family Harmony by OSU Austin Family Business. They are is also highly
active in the berry industry – Matt is the Chairman of the Oregon Strawberry Commission, and Will is on the Oregon Blueberry Commission.
To ensure that their land stays farmable for the generations ahead, and in the interests of safety for employees and customers, Unger Farms is devoted to several sustainable farming methods, such as drip irrigation for water conservation, plastic on rows and straw between rows for weed control and cleanliness, and employee safety training. They also practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM): An environmentally friendly, common sense approach to controlling pests & disease, and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP): a voluntary audit that verifies that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed,
handled, and stored as safely as possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards.
In addition to offering U-Pick Hood strawberries and berry products at their farm store and cafe, Unger Farms has their fruit available at 13 farmer’s markets in the Portland metro area, 5 days per week. They also supply berries to all local New Seasons Market stores from June – November. The Ungers love their Oregon berries - Kathy’s favorite blackberry is the Triple Crown. Matt can’t pick a favorite berry because they are all the best during their peak season. Find some near you and share the Oregon (straw)berry love!
Acreage
45
Location
Cornelius, Oregon
Varieties
Hoods, Albions
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