The Remarkable Journey of First Fruits

Founded in 1968 by Ralph and Cheryl Broetje, First Fruits began as a small cherry orchard in Benton City, Washington. Their story is one of perseverance, faith, and an unwavering commitment to building communities and giving back. Despite early hardships, the Broetjes stayed true to their vision, driven by a dream of using their orchard to feed children in need across the world.

From Hardships to a Higher Purpose

In the first three years, the Broetje family faced disaster after disaster—frost, rain, and fruit flies decimated their crops. Burdened by debt, they relied on faith and support from loved ones. Ralph’s Sunday school teacher reminded him of a retreat vision: owning an apple orchard to support children in India. This dream became the driving force behind their perseverance.

     A Leap of Faith in

Columbia Basin

In 1980, they invested in 400 acres of sagebrush land near the Snake and Columbia Rivers, a region untested for apple farming. Their faith paid off—ideal conditions and irrigation transformed the barren land into a thriving orchard. This marked the start of their true mission in farming: not just profit, but purpose.

A Mission Renewed: The Trip to Mexico

In 1984, a mission trip to Mexico changed everything. Seeing families living without opportunities reinforced Ralph’s belief that their orchard existed not for personal gain, but to empower others.

“It wasn’t so we could keep building things for ourselves. It was so we could give back to the families we worked with.” —Ralph Broetje

 

Building Community: Vista Hermosa

In 1988, recognizing that low-income families needed more than jobs, the Broetjes built Vista Hermosa (“Beautiful View”)—a $5 million investment in 121 affordable homes and apartments for their employees.

The community also included:

•New Horizons Preschool: Serving 60 children

•Vista Hermosa Elementary: A K-6 Christian school

By 1990, the Vista Hermosa Foundation was established to support initiatives in Vista Hermosa and underserved communities worldwide, from Mexico and India to Uganda and Haiti.

Faith in Action: The First Fruits Tradition

In 1992, facing another poor cherry harvest, the Broetjes reflected on Luke 13 and gave the orchard “one more year.” That year’s harvest was abundant, and they donated the proceeds to a children’s home in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Since then, 100% of proceeds from their 50-acre cherry orchard are donated annually to nonprofit work. Employee-led committees decide how funds are allocated, ensuring the mission continues to bear fruit.

Expanding Community Support: CASA LLC and Mano a Mano

From 2004 to 2006, the Broetje family expanded their outreach by founding:

•CASA LLC: Helps employees become homeowners in the Tierra Vida community.

•Mano a Mano: Provides educational support for at-risk youth and manages seasonal housing for farm workers.

Both initiatives follow the Vista Hermosa model of fostering strong communities.

The Legacy of First Fruits

First Fruits is more than an orchard—it’s a movement that demonstrates the transformative power of faith and service. From feeding children in need to building communities, the Broetjes have created a lasting legacy that touches lives across more than 30 countries.

 

Key Takeaways:

•A commitment to servant leadership and faith-driven philanthropy

•Over 5,000 acres of orchards dedicated to purpose-driven farming

•Global impact through initiatives in India, Mexico, Ethiopia, and beyond

Join the Mission

Want to learn more or support their initiatives? Visit First Fruits’ official website to explore their outreach programs and community stories.