Blue Skies Berry Farm

Paul and Louise Maki opened Blue Skies in 1991. By 1993, they achieved organic certification and maintained it until 2007. Due to bureaucratic challenges, they withdrew from the National Organic Program but continued to use organic inputs.

The farm relies on composted horse and llama manure from neighbors for soil nutrition, supplemented with green manure over the winter and composted leaves. When additional nitrogen is needed, they use alfalfa meal or bloodmeal. Despite not being certified organic, they adhere to organic farming principles.

The farm offers a U-Pick raspberry season from mid-August through late September, with daily picking information available on their Berry Hotline. They grow a variety of seasonal produce, including asparagus, greens, root crops, garlic, onions, tomatoes, beans, squash, herbs, apples, ginger, and turmeric.