Kent Marrs, owner of ORAC Farms, is passionate about producing quality fruit that benefits the community and the environment. The farm grows unique wholesale products like Honeyberry (Haskap), Elderberry, and heirloom variety apples that are a challenge to find in the commercial market.
“We currently grow heirloom apples which we use to produce fresh cider with a rich and unique flavor, and we grow Honeyberry for syrups and juices,” said Marrs. Marrs, who is also an engineer by profession, has a unique passion for bringing “fruits from the past” to the present and future market. He started by growing several varieties of vitis vinifera grapes on the farm in 2000. Over the years, he added Elderberry and Honeyberry for the beneficial properties they offer consumers.
“We take pride in bringing heirloom varieties to our space that have been used worldwide for centuries. Our high-antioxidant fruits are unique and represent an emerging market because of their beneficial nature. We grow them as a fresh fruit and allow customers to recognize the benefits on their own.” said Marrs.
Marrs grew up on a farm in Kansas. Both sides of his family came from a background in agriculture. He had the know-how but wanted to add a twist of his own to farming. What started as a small farming venture, grew into a larger mission to be a forefront provider of specialty fruits. Since 2007, ORAC Farms has been producing high-antioxidant juices, post-mix drink mixes, and food products from these fresh fruits. Marrs loves seeing the creation of new products from fruits that were used many years ago.
“As the farm has grown, we’ve made moves to switch to more organic and sustainable growing practices. We want to do what is best for the land and produce a cleaner fruit for the customer as well,” said Marrs. “The best thing about farming is being outdoors and enjoying God’s creation and using it as sustainably as we should.”
ORAC Farms is a great representation of some of the core beliefs Marrs possesses. “Nothing in life is easy, you must be persistent with your dreams and goals and keep them in balance and check with everything around you– the health and welfare of the people, environment, and community around you,” he said.
You can find ORAC Farms products at the Village Winery Outlet in Waterford, locally at Lovettsville Co-op, and through their online store.
