PA Agriculture Spotlight: Solebury Orchards

Solebury Orchards is located in New Hope, central Bucks County. Solebury was started by Brian Smith in 1985 and opened for business in 1989. It currently operates on 80 acres growing apples, peaches, blueberries, and a variety of other fruits, as well as operating a cider press using their own apples. Solebury also features an on-site market selling in-season produce and other local goods. In 2023, Solebury Orchards started working with Bucks County Opportunity Council, which utilized their PASS and LFPA funding to purchase Solebury’s apples and cider for neighbors in Bucks County.

Brian reflected, “Working with Bucks County Opportunity Council has been very beneficial to marketing our apple crop over the last two seasons. Without their purchasing volume using PASS and LFPA funds, we would have struggled to find markets for a significant portion of our crop. BCOC’s contribution was especially helpful in 2023 when we had a very large crop. This season, the crop is a little smaller than last season’s record harvest, but the steady movement through BCOC’s distributions really helps. Apples are picked from late August through early November, and it’s helpful when the early maturing varieties can move quickly through our cold storage rooms as later season varieties need to be harvested.”

Elizabeth Zbinden, Food Program Manager at Bucks County Opportunity Council, shared her experience working with Brian and Solebury Orchards. “Partnering with Solebury Orchards has been an incredible asset in helping us meet the growing need for fresh, local produce across Bucks County,” said Elizabeth. “Through PASS and LFPA funding, we’re not only supporting a local farm but also delivering high-quality apples and cider to families who truly appreciate having access to nutritious, locally grown food.”

Elizabeth noted the impact this partnership has on BCOC’s programs, especially Fresh Connect, a weekly fresh food distribution program. “At Fresh Connect, we serve over 1,200 households each week, and the addition of Solebury’s apples and cider has been a highlight for many of our families. It’s wonderful to be able to share such fresh, high-quality products with our neighbors, knowing it’s grown right here in Bucks County.”

The reach doesn’t stop there. “These products are also distributed to our 70-plus pantry partners across the county, who have expressed excitement and gratitude for being able to provide such great local offerings to the community. It makes a real difference in the food we can deliver, both in terms of quality and connection to the area.”

Elizabeth added, “What makes this partnership even more special is knowing that it’s a two-way street. For Solebury Orchards, it provides a reliable market for their crop, and for us, it ensures we can meet the rising demand for fresh, nutritious food in our network. This collaboration demonstrates how local agriculture and community support can come together to make a meaningful impact.”

At Solebury Orchards, the quality of its product and the nutrition it provides to its neighbors in southeast Pennsylvania is a primary focus for Brian and his operation. “Fresh produce is an important part of good nutrition, and it is gratifying to be a part of production that serves the local community. I think food that comes from a place consumers can identify has extra meaning and, for myself as a grower, seeing this appreciation is rewarding. Being able to satisfy the needs of the local community is a strong motivating factor in our continued production at Solebury Orchards.”

Visit the Solebury Orchards website and follow them on social media:

Photos courtesy of Solebury Orchards

For more information on how to get involved, contact Tom Mainzer, Director of Agricultural Partnerships, at tm******@*******pa.org or call 717-257-9850.

Learn more about Feeding Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Partnerships at feedingpa.org/agricultural-partnerships.